Created in January 2018, this is the most nascent Research Area within the Division and the research work involves synthesis, characterization and performance evaluation of well-defined solid catalysts and related functional materials for dehydrogenation of lower alkanes for producing corresponding alkenes. Decomposition and oxidative coupling of methane for hydrogen and ethylene production, respectively, are other activities. Strongholds are catalyst preparation techniques and advanced textural characterization of catalytic assembly ex-situ.
Kinetics and mechanistic aspects are studied in state-of-the-art fixed bed reactor system.The scientific challenge lies in scaling up of the product and/or process from the beginning in laboratory to a pilot plant followed by scale-up to a commercial demonstration unit.
The research activities/achievements of this Area will help to enable the efficient use of natural resources, available in plenty, such as light alkanes (methane and propane) as precursors of clean fuels and petrochemicals.
