Research Projects

The rapid depletion of non-renewable carbons due to the widespread use of fossil resources has led to massive emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly CO₂. Biomass is a viable alternative for sustainable non-fossil carbon sources due to its green nature and global abundance. Biomass is abundant and inexpensive, making it an ideal feedstock for producing biofuels and other chemicals to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Researchers have developed heterogeneous catalytic protocols for producing chemicals and fuel via reductive, oxidative, and acid-base catalysis. Lignin, a carbohydrate component of biomass, is a potential replacement for petrochemicals and could be produced by biofuel refineries. Furan-based platform chemicals created from biomass, such as furfural (FAL) and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), have the potential to replace fossil fuel-derived chemicals and fuels in the near future. These biomass-derived model compounds and fuels are carbon-neutral sources, meaning they do not contribute to an increase in CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere. Edible biomass, such as corn and plant oils, can be used to make ethanol and diesel fuel. Lignocelluloses, which contain cellulosic material, can be easily converted to FAL and HMF. A metal decorated graphene/metal oxide system for electrocatalytic biomass conversions is planned, involving graphene oxide functionalized and heteroatoms doped systems. This system will be easy to fabricate, environmentally friendly, mild, and cost-effective. The electrocatalysts system will be developed for FAL, HMF, and lignin-model compound transformations, using modified Hummer's method for synthesis and doping.