Research

We are currently confronted with pressing environmental concerns, ranging from soil and ocean pollution to climate change. Addressing these issues relies on the achievement of technologies that promote environmental sustainability, decarbonization and defossilization, thereby mitigating the buildup of waste and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked with conventional fossil fuel-driven production processes. Sustainable Catalysis Lab (SCL) at the University of Arkansas aims to formulate catalytic systems that facilitate the efficient conversion of wasted resources into chemicals and fuels through rational design of novel catalysis systems, which will contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions.

Upcycling waste streams

At SCL, waste streams such as plastic waste and biomass are used to produce value-added chemicals and materials via either thermo- or electrocatalytic processes. For example, the PI has developed a process that converts waste polystyrene into a platform chemical (e.g., adipic acid, used in the production of nylon 6,6). In addition, the PI has established an oxidative upcycling process that converts polyethylene and polypropylene wastes into polar waxes. In developing upcycling processes, we actively employs cutting-edge NMR techniques to elucidate chemical mechanisms, kinetics, and molecular interactions. By conducting life-cycle assessments of the developed processes, we provide valuable insights into minimizing environmental impacts.

Relevant publications

Manuscript accepted, Nature Communications

WO/2024/137413 A2, Journal article submitted

Engineering catalyst properties

At SCL, we are particularly interested in how modifications to molecular and nanoscale structures of catalysts—as shown in the figure below—affect the outcomes of various catalytic applications. More specifically, we aim to systematically control catalyst characteristics to enable the design of high-performance catalytic systems. For instance, the PI has shown that tuning the hydrophobicity of mesoporous materials enhances the adsorption of aromatic compounds while reducing surface water dynamics. This structural feature led to improved phenol hydrogenation in the aqueous phase over Pd catalysts.

Relevant publications

Topics in Catalysis, 2023, 66, 1-9

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2022, 144, 1766-1777

Chemical Science, 2020, 11, 3702-3712

Scientific Reports, 2017, 7, 41981

In short, the SCL team focuses on advancing waste stream upcycling by investigating the structure–function relationship. Currently, SCL explores three key subtopics:

Leveraging Confinement Effects of Porous Materials
Tuning Activity and Selectivity in Electrocatalysis
Process intensification for plastic waste upcycling

More detailed information on these topics will be provided soon!