By David Murphy

KAUST Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering Pedro Castaño has been appointed as an Editorial Board Member of the Catalysts Journal, Section Board for 'Catalytic Reaction Engineering' and the International Journal of Chemical Engineering.

The 'Catalytic Reaction Engineering' section of the Catalysts journal publishes original and high-impact contributions focusing on new reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and reaction engineering, emphasizing sustainable catalysts and catalytic processes.

The International Journal of Chemical Engineering publishes research focused on technologies for the production, processing, transportation, and use of chemicals on an industrial scale.

“I believe that chemical engineering and catalysis are strong drivers for the vision of making the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a hub of sustainability and technological advancement,” Castaño said. “Nominations like these recognize my effort, but they also reflect the combined achievements of my group, the center, program, and University.”

Paving the way toward a more sustainable future

Professor Castaño, who joined KAUST in April 2019, is part of the Chemical Engineering program at KAUST. By adopting a holistic multiscale approach, his Multiscale Reaction Engineering (MuRE) research group pushes the boundaries of reaction engineering to make the catalytic process more viable and sustainable. The MuRE team is particularly interested in developing numerous energy-saving and waste-valorization processes, including transforming small- or large molecules into hydrogen, light olefins, platform chemicals, or high-quality fuels.

Castaño states that his research goals are to optimize the current chemical processes and develop new technologies for transitioning to a sustainable circular carbon (hydrogen-based) economy. “I work at the interphase between fundamental heterogeneous catalysts and applied reaction engineering, closely with industrial partners in the region. Thus, my research directly impacts the region’s sustainability goals.

“We are going through a very challenging time in our history in regard to achieving a more sustainable way of living. Here at KAUST, we are not spectators but active participants and leaders in this transition. I am very proud to be part of this team of innovators, and I am thankful for the opportunity of seeing the direct impact of my research,” he concluded.