Research Projects

This project proposes a novel, integrated platform for sustainable bromine production and its in situ utilization for the oxidative valorization of biomass and plastic waste. Traditional bromine recovery processes, reliant on soluble acids like HCl and H₂SO₄, suffer from several drawbacks: corrosive conditions, high operational costs, non-recyclable waste generation, and complex downstream neutralization steps. Additionally, bromine’s potential as a powerful redox reagent for biomass and polymer valorization has not yet been systematically connected with its production, missing a valuable opportunity for closed-loop chemical recycling. The proposed work addresses these gaps by developing solid acid catalysts such as modified clays, sulfonated resins, and melamine-based materials for soluble acid-free brine acidification, thereby enabling recyclable bromine production. This solid acid approach will minimize hazardous liquid waste, enhance safety, and simplify process integration. Comprehensive catalyst characterization (XRD, BET, FTIR, TGA, NH₃-TPD, SEM/TEM) will be performed to optimize activity and stability. In parallel, the project aims to valorize the bromine produced through oxidative upgrading of lignin, cellulose, chitin, and bio-derived platform molecules like furanics. Simultaneously, it will explore bromine-assisted depolymerization of plastic waste (e.g., PET, polystyrene, polyethylene) and their monomeric or oligomeric derivatives. These oxidative transformations will be evaluated in both batch and continuous flow systems, with a special emphasis on selectivity, atom economy, and bromide recovery. The envisioned process integrates bromine production and utilization in a circular loop, where the bromide byproducts generated from valorization reactions are recaptured and fed back into the bromine generation cycle. This zero-waste, closed-loop approach represents a paradigm shift in bromine chemistry, bridging traditionally separate domains of bromine extraction, organic oxidation, and waste valorization.