Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Chemical reaction engineering plays a significant role in the advancement of clean energies and environmentally friendly chemical processes. The long-term objective of this research is to contribute by developing novel catalysts, mechanistically-based kinetic models and innovative chemical reactors. To accomplish this, the proposed research will take advantage of the prototypes from the applicant's patented technologies such as the CREC Riser Simulator, the bench scale Photo-CREC Photocatalytic Reactors and the CREC-GS Optiprobes. These are unique devices to establish catalyst performance, kinetic rates and gas-solid reactor fluid dynamics under industrial operating conditions. Studies will be developed using statistically based kinetics and parameter estimation. They will lead to rate equations which will incorporate intrinsic kinetics, adsorption and intraparticle diffusion.*With this aim, the specific research objectives set for this proposal can be summarized as follows: a) The development of new photocatalysts for H2 production via water splitting, b) The establishment of an innovative integrated catalytic process for biomass conversion, c) Advancements in reaction engineering for CO2 Capture, d) The design of new FCC additives for gasoline desulfurization, e) The conception of novel catalytic conversion processes for Dimethyl Ether (DME) conversion into green gasoline.*The proposed research will help bring into practice, technologies which will provide: a) The capture of CO2 emissions, b) Alternative energies from water splitting and biomass with zero net CO2 emissions, c) The production of fuels and biofuels with lower levels of sulfur and benzene containing compounds, d) The removal of organic pollutants from water and air. *The planned research will contribute to the establishment of emerging technologies for the protection of the environment and for the well-being of the Canadian population.*