Lignocellulosic biomass and carbon dioxide have emerged as attractive carbon-based feedstocks for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. However, the complex structure of these feedstocks requires the development of catalytic materials that promote selective C-O, C-H, and C-C bond cleavage, while maintaining catalytic stability. Our research group focuses on developing strategies to address this challenge by combining materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and kinetic measurements to elucidate the mechanisms that govern selective C-O, C-H, and C-C bond activation over bifunctional catalysts in the conversion of biomass-derived substrates and carbon dioxide.
In this talk, I will present our work on developing catalytic strategies for deoxydehydration (DODH) and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of carbohydrate-derived alcohols and acids to platform chemicals. Specifically, I will discuss the HDO of biomass-derived substrates, such as 1,4-anhydroerythritol, tartaric acid, and glycerol over bifunctional catalysts comprised of a supported hydrogen dissociating metal center (Pd, Rh, Pt) coupled with a redox metal oxide center (MoOx, ReOx, WOx). Our results, based on the combination of catalyst synthesis, kinetic measurements, and advanced characterization highlight the role of the noble metal, metal oxide species, and catalyst support in promoting selective C-O bond cleavage.
In the second part of the talk, I will present our latest efforts on developing Cu-based mixed-metal oxide catalysts for converting carbon dioxide to methanol. Specifically, insights on the effect of structural, surface, and electronic properties of Cu/Ga2O3/ZrO2 catalysts and the role of metal-metal oxide interfaces in increasing methanol yields will be discussed.
Dr. Yomaira Pagán-Torres is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. She received her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011, under the guidance of Prof. James Dumesic. At UW, her research focused on developing catalytic technologies for biomass conversion. Before her academic position at UPR, she worked as Senior Engineer for The Dow Chemical Company in the Feedstocks, Olefins, Chemicals, and Alternative Technologies Research and Development group in Freeport, Texas. Her research group combines materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and kinetic studies to design bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts for the activation of targeted functional groups within carbon-based feedstocks, such as lignocellulosic biomass, carbon dioxide, and plastic polymers. Her research, teaching, and service contributions have been recognized with the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez College of Engineering Distinguished Professor Award (2017 and 2020).