PRESENTER Dr. Mani Sarathy INSTITUTE KAUST

​​​​​ABSTRACT:  Insights into the kinetics of complex processes can aid in discovering chemical conversion processes, improving energy production, synthesizing new materials, and remediating the environment. Design of chemical processes requires fundamental knowledge of how molecular structure of reactants affects product distribution and energy release. This presentation will cover the use of state-of-the-art comprehensive kinetic models together with high fidelity experimental measurements to study complex chemical processes.  First, we will cover traditional applications of improving fuel combustion.  Next, kinetic processes governing atmospheric air quality and its impact on climate modeling will be discussed.  Finally, new research on simulating heterogeneous catalytic reactions will be presented. The research draws upon expertise in quantum chemistry, computational fluid dynamics, experimental methods, advanced diagnostics, and machine learning.   We will see how engineers can utilize our tools to design better engines and fuels, improve urban air quality, and simulate catalytic reactors.

BIOGRAPHY:  Dr. Mani Sarathy is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Associate Director of the Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) at KAUST.

Dr. Sarathy was previously a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Combustion Chemistry group at the U.S. Department of Energy Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. 

He received his PhD and M.A.Sc. degrees in Environmental and Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto and his B.A.Sc. in Environmental Engineering Chemical Specialization from the University of Waterloo. In 2015 and 2017, Dr. Sarathy was named a Clarivate Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters) Highly Cited Researcher.

His research interest is in developing sustainable energy technologies with decreased net environmental impact. A major thrust of his research is using chemical kinetic simulations to design fuels, engines, and reactors.​