Research

Renewable plastics, including biomass-derived polymers and bio-degradable materials, are prepared and fabricated by co-working with bio-chemical research team. The depolymerization of plastics to monomers and raw chemicals is also performed.

Biomass pyrolysis oil is quite similar to petroleum crude oil except that it contains significantly large amount of oxygen atoms and oxygen-funcitionalities. By catalytic upgrading of biomass pyrolysis oil, the bio-avaiation (or biojet) fuels can be prepared. New catalysts and integrated processes are under development to reduce the green house gas release by the planes.

Lignin can be transformed into carbon fibers via various steps which is actively explored in the world. Our group is working on the realization of lignin carbon fiber to be applied for automobile body.

Plastics are recycled to naphtha by the chemical degradation, which will be further converted to many chemical products including plastic monomers. Depolymerization catalysts and process methods are developed for the feasible chemical process for reducing green house gas.

Aerogels, the lightest solid materials ever made, have attracted increasing attention due to their fascinating properties. The unique nanoporous network and ultraporosity of these nanomaterials make them great potential candidates in a wide range of applications. My research group is developing aerogel-based platform materials for high performance thermal insulation and composite aerogels as efficient catalysts.

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, prompting the development of new technologies for recycling and upcycling. In this project, we try to develop innovative approaches to convert plastic wastes into value-added compounds, including BTX (i.e., benzene, toluene, and xylene) and naphthenes. Our mission is to establish scientific knowledge and new technologies in plastic conversion to reduce the severe global burden of plastic waste.

Within the framework of a sustainable bioeconomy, biorefineries are set to play a central role in decarbonizing our societies. A bioeconomy is one wherein fuels, chemicals, and materials are derived primarily from renewable resources. In this context, lignocellulosic biomass has attracted considerable attention because it is readily abundant, inherently renewable, and potentially carbon neutral. We are focusing on developing a sustainable biomass process to transform renewable carbons into a wide range of bio-based products, including fuels, chemicals, and materials.