Energy and Fuels for a Sustainable Environment

The “Energy and Fuels for a Sustainable Environment” research team undertakes researches  focusing on heterogeneous catalysis for the valorization of renewable resources for energy applications.

The first research area focuses on hydrogen as the target energy carrier. The reactions investigated include tar reforming in the biomass steam gasification process, as well as the reforming of bioethanol, or other alcohols mixtures to improve the efficiency of biofuel production.

The reactivity of CO₂ / H₂ or CO / CO₂ / H₂ mixtures, which may be present downstream of reforming reactions, constitutes the second research area. In this context, the production of methane, methanol, dimethyl ether or formic acid is targeted.

In order to reach the objectives found in those reactions, our team is deeply involved in the design of novel catalyst materials (active phase, support and sometimes additional binders) ranging from biochars, metal oxides, non-noble supported metals and microporous materials as zeolites or metal-organic frameworks. 

The industrial implementation of such processes requires the development of high-performance catalytic systems in terms of activity, stability, and regenerability, under conditions that can be transferred to industrial applications. The various research projects are supported by numerous collaborations with either academic or industrial partners.

• Catalyst Design
• Biomass valorization
• Thermochemical conversion and purification of the resulting gases: fast pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion
• Reforming of bioalcohols
• Hydrogen production
• CO₂ capture
• Energy valorization of CO₂