Catalysis for Bioenergy

This area focuses on the catalysts and reaction chemistry that drive fuel conversion — independent of any specific device. We study how catalyst surface treatment and composition affect the oxidation and reduction behavior of fuels and oxidizers, building on prior work examining chemically treated platinum catalysts and their effect on hydrocarbon oxidation kinetics. This extends to catalysts relevant to agricultural feedstocks, including biochar derived from agricultural residues, used both as a standalone material and as a catalyst support, as well as catalysts involved in breaking down complex biomass components such as lignin for use in direct biomass fuel cells. Across these efforts, the goal is to understand how catalyst structure and surface chemistry govern reaction efficiency and selectivity, informing better-performing electrochemical and combustion-based systems alike.