Working on CatchBio project: Depolymerization of lignin: towards gasoline fuel components
Project leader: Prof. Dr. Ir. E.J.M. (Emiel) Hensen
Cluster: Energy
Short CV
During my bachelor education on chemical engineering at Middle East Technical University, Turkey, I was an active member of METU Robotic Society and worked on development of alternative energy car prototypes (solar and hydrogen) in an interdisciplinary student group. After the graduation, I contributed to alternative energy researches in an academic area and I completed my Master of Science degree in METU Chemical Engineering Department on the topic of ‘‘development of different carbon supports for proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrocatalysts’’ in 2010.
I was looking for a PhD position on innovative and applicable project which would contain strong industrial cooperation, and I started to work for Eindhoven University of Technology Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Department as a PhD student as a part of CatchBio project. I am now dealing with development of catalytic processing routes for lignin valorization under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ir. E.J.M. (Emiel) Hensen. The objective of this study is to produce gasoline fuel components from lignin by depolymerization and hydrodeoxygenation of the structure with an efficient, clean and economically viable method.
Describe the project shortly in your own words?
Why biomass? Biomass can contribute significantly to the transition from fossil energy resources to sustainable energy supply with low greenhouse gas emissions. For the second generation biorefineries, it is crucial to add value to all kinds of products in the biorefinery to have a feasible process. That’s why it is advantageous to retain the molecular fragments of biomass as much as possible, besides complete gasification or partial liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass or lignin. The particular goal in this project is to produce aromatic fuel components from lignin.
What is the biggest challenge for you, or what fascinates you the most in this research project?
The challenge is to selectively deoxygenate lignin’s complex structure without hydrogenation of the aromatic rings. I’m aware of that complex scientific problems are easier to solve when the targets are defined clearly. In CatchBio, the targets are well defined and every project is a part of the main goal. What fascinates me most in my research project? Cooperation between industry and academy! When industry contributes by means of sharing their experiences and knowledge as a stakeholder of the project, you can always keep yourself and your study updated and live.
What is your future career ambition?
At the end of this project, I’m planning to be the subject matter expert in this domain. My motivation is always to be a part of a dynamic and innovative team.
How do you like to spend your time when not working on your research?
I like to organize any kind of social event with my friends. I like to go to the places that I have never been before and discover the world. Especially, I like cooking and I really enjoy discovering new dishes from all around the world.
Why biomass? Biomass can contribute significantly to the transition from fossil energy resources to sustainable energy supply with low greenhouse gas emissions. For the second generation biorefineries, it is crucial to add value to all kinds of products in the biorefinery to have a feasible process. That’s why it is advantageous to retain the molecular fragments of biomass as much as possible, besides complete gasification or partial liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass or lignin. The particular goal in this project is to produce aromatic fuel components from lignin.
What is the biggest challenge for you, or what fascinates you the most in this research project?
The challenge is to selectively deoxygenate lignin’s complex structure without hydrogenation of the aromatic rings. I’m aware of that complex scientific problems are easier to solve when the targets are defined clearly. In CatchBio, the targets are well defined and every project is a part of the main goal. What fascinates me most in my research project? Cooperation between industry and academy! When industry contributes by means of sharing their experiences and knowledge as a stakeholder of the project, you can always keep yourself and your study updated and live.
What is your future career ambition?
At the end of this project, I’m planning to be the subject matter expert in this domain. My motivation is always to be a part of a dynamic and innovative team.
How do you like to spend your time when not working on your research?
I like to organize any kind of social event with my friends. I like to go to the places that I have never been before and discover the world. Especially, I like cooking and I really enjoy discovering new dishes from all around the world.