Research Projects

The major aim of the project work is to develop novel transition metal carbide and transition metal-containing framework and non-framework nanostructure materials possessing high surface areas and being multifunctional (acid-base and redox) and to apply their potential in various hydrogenation and reforming processes. In particular, the materials will be used for biomass transformations such as hydrogenation, deoxygenation, dehydrogenation, and dehydration of lignin model compounds (viz., eugenol, furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, anisole, alcohol, etc.), which are important intermediates in various platform molecules and gasoline. Further, these materials will also be explored for CO2 reforming into fuel and value-added chemicals. The project involves two important research areas: (i) Development of framework and non-framework materials containing transition metals and their carbide composites; (ii) Application of developed catalysts for biomass components and CO2 to fuel and platform chemicals. The first part of the research focuses on the synthesis of zeolites (MCM-22, ITQ-1, and SAPO-37), hydrotalcites, perovskite-type frameworks, and non-framework materials (which will be identified by powder XRD, FT-IR, and TEM analysis). The second part deals with the introduction of transition metal oxyhydroxide, poly oxalate and transition metal carbide in the framework and non-framework matrix by post-synthetic methods. In the final part of the project, the novel nanostructured framework and non-framework composite materials will be applied for the catalytic transformation of biomass components and CO2 to produce platform chemicals and fuel. The major advantages of the novel materials planned to be developed are that they will have unique multi-functionality, better stability, and better catalytic activity under severe conditions than the known conventional heterogeneous catalysts.