Zoom: https://kaust.zoom.us/j/95476525689?from=addon

Abstract

Heterogeneous catalysts are key materials in most industrial chemical processes in modern society. The importance of catalysis and catalysts spans from the production of transportations fuels and chemicals to environmental applications, such NOx abatement for emission control.

Essentially, materials with catalytic properties accelerate chemical reactions, driving them towards achieving the maximum yield of desired molecules. To highlight the economic importance of catalysts in the chemical industry and society, it is worth mentioning that they contribute directly and indirectly to 35% of the Global Gross Domestic Product. The chemical industry and catalytic processes rely almost exclusively on non-renewable, finite, but highly available coal, gas and oil feedstocks. However, concerns about the unsustainability of fossil fuel use and the emission of greenhouse gases have surged. This is an unsustainable situation that mandates a shift towards a more circular economy, where cleaner and renewable feedstocks are used for the production of future fuels and chemicals. This transition will inevitably involve the development of new catalytic materials.

The main goal of my research group is to develop catalyst materials for sustainable processes, such as the production of chemicals and fuels. To achieve this, my research methodology focuses on two core areas. First, we employ advanced spectroscopic techniques to better understand the working principles behind catalytic materials. Second, we apply this foundational knowledge to rationally design catalyst, particularly focusing on those materials with the potential for industrial implementation. During this colloquium, I will present some of the significant progress made by our lab in these areas. One of the highlights will be how manipulating distance between active sites in catalyst materials can not only control the reaction pathways but also open up new avenues for innovative catalyst design.

About the speaker

Javier Ruiz-Martínez holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Granada and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He completed his PhD in Heterogeneous Catalysis at the University of Alicante (Spain) in 2009. Following his doctoral research, he undertook postdoctoral studies and assistant professorship at Utrecht University, The Netherlands. Dr. Ruiz-Martínez then joined AkzoNobel as heterogeneous catalysis specialist in the Specialty Chemicals Division. In June 2019, he started his assistant professorship at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where he leads the Catalysis, Nanomaterials, and Spectroscopy research group.