Key research themes
1. How do chemical reaction mechanisms and catalysts influence the design and optimization of petrochemical production processes?
This research area focuses on understanding the fundamental chemical reactions and catalysis that underpin petrochemical manufacturing. It investigates how reaction chemistry guides process design choices such as reactor type, operating conditions, catalyst selection, and how advances in catalyst development enhance selectivity, yield, and process economics. Insights in this theme enable the improvement of existing petrochemical production technologies and the development of innovative methods, thus impacting industrial scale efficiency and product quality.
2. What engineering design and operational practices optimize steam reforming processes for hydrogen and petrochemical feedstock production?
This theme investigates the engineering principles, catalyst loading methodologies, and operational monitoring techniques critical to steam reforming—a major industrial process for producing synthesis gas and light olefin feedstocks. The focus encompasses catalyst packing strategies to prevent flow irregularities, carbon formation mechanisms and their mitigation, material and tube design parameters to extend service life, and temperature/pressure control to optimize reaction equilibrium and safety.
3. How can waste materials and end-of-life products be effectively processed for resource recovery and environmental sustainability in petrochemical practice?
This research area explores processing techniques for industrial wastes and end-of-life materials to recover valuable metals and chemical constituents, promote sustainable resource utilization, and reduce environmental impact. It encompasses characterization methods, thermochemical valorization, green oxidation treatments, and reuse within petrochemical contexts, addressing the circular economy imperative.