Research: Catalysis and biomass valorization

The INCAT group has expertise in catalyst development (synthesis, optimization and upscaling) of various catalysts (nanozeolites, hybrid catalysts, mixed oxides, layered double hydroxides, nanoparticles supported onto oxides or resins) for use in heterogeneous catalysis and plasma catalysis.

Catalysts are being tested in various liquid phase and gas phase reactions (e.g. aldol condensation, esterification, Guerbet condensation, lignin depolymerisation, alcohol dehydration, hydrodeoxygenation of furfural and its aldolcondensates, hydrogen production) aiming to find optimal performance by fine-tuning catalyst properties and process conditions and to get insight in the reaction mechanism. Recently, the group also started working on the valorization of lignin fractions, i.e. mixtures of (chemically modified) lignin monomers and oligomers into biobased polymers (e.g. phenolic resins and recyclable thermosets).