Two new granted projects

We are excited that we have received funding for two new projects to be executed in the GreenCats group. The journey to a new project is a long one with a success rate of about 20 % at the Czech Science Foundation, and now we obtained funding for two projects. It is not only a success but also a great opportunity for students to taste real science.

Investigation of the key factors affecting hydrogenation/deoxygenation of mixtures of oxygenates

At the end of 2021, the Czech Science Foundation accepted our project that is being executed in cooperation with the Institute of Environmental Technologies at VŠB-TU (diagram on the left). This is a three-year project, whose main goal is to describe key parameters affecting the heterogeneously catalyzed hydrogenation/deoxygenation of oxygenates obtained from biomass processing. We will study the most common furanic and phenolic compounds. Consequently, we will be able to tailor the catalyst to target selectively either cleavage of the carbon-oxygen bonds or hydrogenation of the aromatic ring.

Controlling reaction pathways in hydrogenation of sugar-derived oxygenates by catalyst design

In October 2021, we started to work on a three-year project in cooperation with the University of Łódź in Poland. The aim of the project is to valorise substances derived from cellulosic biomass, namely 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural and levulinic acid. Their conversion will be catalyzed by highly active ruthenium catalysts. Our partner at the University of Łódź will synthesize these catalysts by a unique method allowing them to control precisely the size of the supported Ru nanoparticles We will focus on the thorough characterization of the catalysts and their testing in the hydrogenation of 5-HMF and levulinic acid using our hydrogenation units.

Cooperation with students is essential for the successful execution of research projects, therefore bachelor's and master's theses are offered on both topics. If interested, please contact us for more information.