Abstract

As the chemical industry seeks to decarbonize its core processes, the electrification of light olefin production stands as a critical challenge—and opportunity—for achieving deep emissions reductions. Propylene and ethylene, foundational building blocks of the modern economy, are still produced through highly energy-intensive and fossil-dependent routes. To transition toward sustainable and flexible production, we must rethink the reactor design itself—integrating catalysis, separation, and electrification into a unified system. This seminar explores the potential of membrane-assisted catalytic reactors to enable such a transformation. We focus on two ceramic membrane technologies: (i) mixed proton–electron conducting (MPEC) membranes and (ii) proton-conducting electrochemical cell (PCEC) membranes, both of which allow for in situ hydrogen removal during alkane dehydrogenation. By continuously shifting reaction equilibria, these systems enhance olefin yields while generating valuable hydrogen for downstream use. We benchmark these concepts against conventional processes such as the Honeywell UOP Oleflex and ethane cracking, assessing economic and environmental trade-offs. Complementary kinetic analyses reveal how spatial hydrogen gradients influence reaction rates, informing reactor design and membrane performance targets. Together, this multi-scale study outlines a roadmap toward electrified, membrane-enabled olefin production—bridging fundamental catalysis, advanced materials, and sustainable process engineering.

Biography

Dr. Faria is a professor at the University of Twente (The Netherlands) working in the Faculty of Science and Technology. After completing this B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering in Venezuela he moved to the University of Oklahoma (USA) to pursue his PhD with Prof. Daniel Resasco where he worked in catalytic reactions in liquid-liquid interfaces. After graduation he moved to Spain to work in the corporate R&D center of Abengoa, leading the development of technologies for hydrogen production and biomass valorization. Since his appointment at the University of Twente in 2017 Prof. Faria is working on smart catalytic materials and processes for sustainable chemical conversions for the C- an N- cycles. In 2021, he received the VIDI personal grant to explore the utilization of catalytic foams for plastic chemical upcycling and in 2025 he received 3 M€ to coordinate the EU project called FASTER focused on developing low temperature ammonia synthesis catalysts. He is also a committed teacher, receiving the teacher of the year award in 2025 for his leadership in the BSc and MSc in Chemical Science and Engineering at the University of Twente. He is board member of the NIOK (Netherlands Institute for Catalysis Research) where he leads the efforts in the young catalysis community in The Netherlands.