Zeolites, Heterogeneous Catalysis and Bioplastics

Research on the border of Chemical engineering and Chemistry

The research focus is put on...

1) Zeolite synthesis

2) Heterogeneous catalysis for alternative feedstock

3) Bioplastics

The general aim is to invent new or improved microporous materials for renewable or sustainable alternative processes, or the processes themselves, for the production of fuels, chemicals and plastics.

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1. Zeolite Synthesis

In this main research line, we explore the synthesis of porous, crystalline, tetrahedral oxidic materials.

The focus is put on aluminosilicate zeolites and silica-rich zeotypes:

1) synthesis in classic conditions using not-so-classic ingredients (what)

CIT-9, FAU

2) synthesis and development of new conditions / synthesis equipment (how)

Coming soon...

3) modifying the active site distribution of existing zeolite catalysts through synthesis or post-synthetic treatments (finetuning)

HERE, OZONE, 'the Al is important' review


We try to gain new insights into processes that govern zeolite syntheses using an antifragile approach of trial and error, in order to discover additional levers to the outcome of the kinetic construct that is a zeolite.

2. Heterogeneous Catalysis for alternative feedstock

Although zeolites are beautiful constructs,materials need to be good for something.

This line of research focuses on heterogeneous catalyzed processes and reactions, especially in the light of the circular economy and alternative feedstocks

We are

1) Testing new/custom zeolites in benchmark - but useful - reactions such as methanol to olefins or CH4 oxidation

For example: HERE

2) Exploring the introduction of zeolite and new oxide or hybrid catalysts in new catalytic routes toward useful chemicals and materials.

For example: glycolide synthesis ; thiolactide 

3) Inventing new, environmentally benign, processes for the valorization of gaseous feedstock and CO2 in particular.

For example, a project on the use of CO2 as a soft oxidant is running.

CO2-assisted Propane dehydrogenation with a close look at CO2-to-CO ;  CO2 to olefins

In these endeavors, kinetics, reaction engineering, thermodynamics and reactor aspects are considered. 

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3. Bioplastics

This research line focuses on biobased and biodegradable plastics.

Typically, we work in 2 areas here:

- Synthesis of novel renewable polyester architectures (linked with new monomers made via heterogeneous catalytic processes)

- Tailoring the properties of custom polyesters to specific applications (degradation, performance)

check out our PLA with improved Melt strenght in Chem. Sci!

We try to bridge the scientific gap between building blocks obtained from biomass conversion and bulk, physical and reological properties of new plastics. 

REVIEW ON PLASTICS FOR CAPSULES

For this we work together with Prof. Bert Sels and Prof. Van Puyvelde https://cit.kuleuven.be/smart/people/00015835