Dr Reina and Prof Odriozola have edited an striking book for 2020. Heterogeneous catalysis plays a central role in the global energy paradigm. Practically all the energy-related process - traditional processes using fossil fuels and new sustainable processes based on green alternatives - relies on a catalyst at a certain point to deliver an energy vector or to achieve the transformation of such an energy vector on a particular source of energy (i.e. electrical, chemical, etc.)

This book aims to provide an overview of the design, limitations and challenges of heterogeneous catalysts for energy applications. In an attempt to cover a broad spectra of scenarios, the book will consider traditional processes linked to fossil fuels such as reforming and hydrocracking but it will also deal with catalysis for sustainable energy applications such as hydrogen production, photocatalysis, biomass upgrading and conversion of CO2 to clean fuels. Novel approaches in catalysts design will be also considered including microchannel reactors and structured catalysts, catalytic membranes and ionic liquids.

Overall the book will be an essential toolkit and a relevant contribution to the fascinating area of catalysis. Since catalysis is an interdisciplinary science per se the book will be appealing for chemists, physicists, chemical engineers and industrials working on energy. This multidisciplinary approach makes the book unique and will guarantee its impact in a broad market.

February 2020

The Catalysis Unit is leading a new venture in partnership with Smart Separations Ltd and Surrey Space Centre to develop Micro-catalytic reactors for mono-propellant thrusters in small satellites

March 2019 

Our team has developed a new, cost-effective type of catalyst that it hopes will ignite innovation in bio-derived added value chemicals and bring about the next generation of bio-refineries

As the world is looking to combat the catastrophic effects of climate change, many hope that bio-based chemicals and fuels will help in the necessary move away from fossil fuels. The conversion of Acetone, Ethanol and Butanol (ABE) produced from sugar fermentation, into valuable chemicals through condensation reactions is seen as a promising way of producing hydrocarbons that can be used to power future cars and within the energy industry. 

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/news/surrey-catalyst-ip-set-ignite-innovation-modern-bio-refineries

This award recognises the excellence on research for last year PGRs. In few words, the award indicates that Estelle has been selected as the best PhD researcher at the University of Surrey in 2019 - a highly commendable distinction. 

Estelle has successfully completed her PhD in the area of heterogeneous catalysis for CO2 conversion. Her research has resulted in over 20 peer-reviewed publications and a licensed patent. Estelle has been a key member of the Catalysts-Engineering team since its genesis taking a leadership role in the development of our catalytic mini-plants and reaction testing facilities. 

Many congrats Estelle!

                                                                                     November 2019

EFCATS student award for Estelle le Saché September 2017

The  European Federation of Catalysis Societies (EFCATS) has recognised Estelle's work with one of students awards 2017.               

Celebrating our first successful PhD viva - congratulations Dr Utsab Guharoy!!           October 2018

Dr Laura Pastor - Awarded best PhD Thesis 2016 by The Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry      December 2018                 

IChemE Global Awards Finalist

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has officially announced the finalists for the IChemE Global Awards 2017. More than 140 entries from 21 countries have made it to the final stages of the Awards, and an overall winner from each category will be revealed on 2 November 2017.

The IChemE Global Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and achievement in the chemical, process and biochemical industries. Dr Reina has been selected as finalist of this prestigious awards in the category of Young Researcher for 2 consecutive years 2016 and 2017

Supercatalysts for CO2 conversion

The Catalysis Unit has developed a Supercatalyst to recycle CO2 and produce added value gas phase compounds. This piece of research has been featured by the technical press

https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/cost-effective-supercatalyst-recycles-co2-and-ch4/         

November 2017