Catalysis and Chemical Engineering

This track explores heterogeneous catalytic systems vital to refining, petrochemicals, and environmental applications. Topics include support materials, surface interactions, active site characterization, and industrial catalyst deactivation mechanisms. Focus will be given to process intensification, catalyst reusability, and energy-efficient reaction pathways. Speakers will address industrial case studies involving zeolites, metal oxides, and supported nanoparticles. New approaches in catalyst synthesis, including sol-gel, hydrothermal, and atomic layer deposition, will be covered. Attention will also be given to emissions control technologies like SCR and catalytic converters.

This session delves into catalytic systems involving soluble metal complexes and organometallic frameworks. Highlights include ligand design, reaction kinetics, and mechanistic insights into C–C, C–H, and C–N bond formation reactions. Speakers will examine homogeneous catalytic pathways for pharmaceutical synthesis, fine chemical production, and green oxidation/reduction reactions. Topics also include catalyst stability, recyclability, and immobilization strategies for industrial-scale applications. Case studies on cross-coupling, hydroformylation, and olefin metathesis reactions will be presented. Advances in combining organometallic catalysts with flow chemistry platforms are also welcome.

This track presents the growing role of enzymes in sustainable and selective chemical transformations. Topics include enzyme engineering, protein immobilization, and reaction optimization for bioprocessing. Focus areas are chemoenzymatic synthesis, redox biocatalysis, and enzymatic cascades. Presentations will showcase breakthroughs in artificial enzymes, directed evolution, and hybrid biocatalysts. Industrial applications in pharmaceuticals, food, and biofuels will be covered. Case studies on lipases, oxidoreductases, and hydrolases will demonstrate enzyme utility in diverse chemistries.

This session highlights catalysts activated by light for green energy and environmental remediation. Topics include semiconductor photocatalysts, plasmonic materials, and photoelectrochemical cells. Advances in CO₂ reduction, water splitting, and dye degradation will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on visible-light active materials and reactor design. Researchers will share insights on charge separation, quantum efficiency, and photothermal effects. Photocatalytic air and water purification technologies will also be explored.

Focused on catalysts for electrochemical reactions, this track includes fuel cells, water electrolysis, and CO₂ electroreduction. Presentations will cover catalyst design for oxygen evolution (OER), hydrogen evolution (HER), and oxygen reduction (ORR) reactions. Topics include metal–air batteries, PEM fuel cells, and novel electrode materials. Challenges in catalyst stability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness will be addressed. Advances in solid-state electrolytes and electrode–electrolyte interfaces will also be discussed. Real-world applications in renewable energy storage and conversion will be highlighted.

This session addresses catalytic routes that promote green principles like atom economy, low energy use, and waste minimization. Topics include bio-based feedstocks, solvent-free reactions, and eco-friendly oxidants. Presentations will showcase green alternatives to hazardous reagents and traditional catalysts. Speakers will explore catalytic processes that enable circular economy models, especially in polymer recycling and biomass valorization. Case studies on catalytic green transformations for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals will be included.

This track covers nanoscale materials engineered for catalytic efficiency and selectivity. Topics include core–shell nanoparticles, nanoclusters, quantum dots, and nanowires. Focus areas include size- and shape-dependent activity, surface functionalization, and self-assembly techniques. Advances in nanocatalyst synthesis, dispersion stability, and real-time activity monitoring will be discussed. Applications in energy, chemical sensing, and environmental cleanup will be presented. Challenges in nanoparticle recovery, toxicity, and scale-up will also be covered.

This session features the use of quantum chemistry, DFT, and machine learning to understand and predict catalytic performance. Presentations will showcase models of reaction pathways, active site identification, and catalyst design optimization. Speakers will discuss kinetic modeling, catalyst screening databases, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The role of AI and data science in accelerating catalyst discovery will be highlighted. Integration of theoretical insights with experimental findings will be a key focus

This session explores catalysts for CO₂ utilization and conversion into valuable products like methanol, hydrocarbons, and carbonates. Topics include thermal, electrochemical, and photochemical CO₂ reduction pathways. Emphasis will be on catalyst selectivity, energy efficiency, and reaction mechanisms. Technologies such as MOFs, carbon-based materials, and metal complexes will be covered. The role of catalysis in carbon neutrality and climate change mitigation strategies will be discussed.

This session focuses on the critical role of catalysts in petroleum refining, particularly in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), hydroprocessing, and alkylation. Presentations will include catalyst formulations, zeolite modifications, and rare-earth enhancements for improved product yield. Emphasis will be on coke formation, sulfur removal, and feedstock flexibility. Researchers will discuss real-time monitoring, regeneration strategies, and catalyst aging behavior. New trends in FCC catalysts for processing bio-based or heavier feedstocks will be explored. Challenges in meeting environmental regulations and improving octane numbers will also be discussed. Case studies from leading refineries and petrochemical companies will be highlighted.

This track covers the strategic use of catalysts in producing high-value pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals with precision. Focus areas include asymmetric catalysis, enantioselective transformations, and organocatalysis. Presenters will share methodologies to improve reaction selectivity, reduce steps, and lower waste generation. Examples will span from laboratory synthesis to GMP-compliant manufacturing. Topics such as chiral auxiliaries, C–H activation, and metal-free catalysis will be discussed. Attention will be given to continuous-flow catalysis and process intensification. The use of green solvents and sustainable reagents in API production will be explored. The session will bridge academic innovation with industrial practice.

Solid acid and base catalysts are key components in industrial transformations such as alkylation, esterification, and cracking. This session will cover materials like zeolites, sulfonated carbons, and mixed metal oxides. Presenters will discuss tuning acid/base strength, pore size control, and surface area optimization. New strategies in catalyst support modification and functionalization will be presented. The role of Brønsted and Lewis acidity in catalysis will be analyzed. Topics also include catalyst life, poisoning resistance, and regeneration. Application in biomass valorization, petrochemicals, and detergent production will be addressed. Innovations in solid–solid and solid–liquid catalytic interfaces will be explored.

This session highlights the role of catalysis in pollution control and environmental cleanup technologies. Topics include VOC oxidation, NOₓ reduction, wastewater treatment, and catalytic ozonation. Emphasis will be on developing low-temperature, high-efficiency catalysts for removing industrial and automotive pollutants. Presenters will showcase technologies such as SCR systems, catalytic filters, and advanced oxidation processes. Applications in indoor air purification and heavy metal removal will be featured. Researchers will share case studies on field deployment and pilot-scale projects. Emerging materials like biochar, MOFs, and photocatalysts for water purification will also be discussed.

Bridging catalyst science and engineering, this track focuses on reactor design, kinetic modeling, and scale-up of catalytic processes. Topics include multiphase flow reactors, plug flow designs, and slurry bed systems. Presenters will discuss heat and mass transfer challenges, residence time distribution, and catalyst deactivation kinetics. Real-world examples of pilot and industrial plants will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on process intensification, automation, and AI-driven optimization. Researchers will explore CFD simulations and digital twin models for real-time process control. Discussions will promote collaboration between chemists and chemical engineers for integrated development.

This session explores how catalytic technologies enable the transformation of biomass into fuels, chemicals, and advanced materials. Topics include catalytic pyrolysis, hydrodeoxygenation, and syngas conversion. Presenters will highlight catalysts for lignin depolymerization and cellulose valorization. Discussions will cover challenges such as feedstock variability, carbon yield, and catalyst poisoning. Special focus will be given to bimetallic catalysts, zeolites, and transition metal phosphides. Applications in producing bio-oil, green diesel, and ethanol derivatives will be discussed. Lifecycle analysis and economic viability of bio-refinery models will also be addressed. Innovations supporting a circular bioeconomy will be promoted.

This track explores how academic breakthroughs translate into scalable, industrial catalytic processes. Topics include catalyst formulation for bulk production, pilot plant design, and techno-economic feasibility. Emphasis will be on commercialization strategies, IP protection, and regulatory challenges. Speakers from industry will share success stories of scaling lab innovations to full-scale production. Catalyst life-cycle management, quality control, and supply chain logistics will also be discussed. The role of public–private partnerships and funding mechanisms will be highlighted. Attention will also be given to sustainable practices in large-scale operations. Case studies from chemicals, energy, and materials sectors will feature prominently.

Porous materials play a vital role in modern catalysis due to their tunable structures and high surface areas. This session covers the design and application of zeolites, MOFs, COFs, and hybrid frameworks. Topics include pore size control, acid site distribution, and framework stability. Researchers will present functionalized MOFs for gas separation, CO₂ storage, and redox reactions. Novel synthesis techniques like solvothermal, microwave, and solvent-free methods will be explored. Application in petrochemicals, environmental remediation, and bio-conversion will be discussed. Presenters will address structure–activity relationships and computational predictions. Challenges in scalability and industrial deployment will also be reviewed.

This track focuses on catalytic methods to address the global plastic waste crisis by converting waste into valuable fuels and chemicals. Topics include thermal and catalytic pyrolysis, hydrogenolysis, and solvolysis of polyolefins and PET. Emphasis will be on catalyst development for depolymerization, reaction efficiency, and selectivity. Presenters will share insights into pilot projects, closed-loop recycling, and upcycling strategies. Integration with mechanical recycling and biotechnological solutions will be explored. Environmental and economic considerations for large-scale operations will also be addressed. Advanced catalyst materials like zeolites, metals, and carbon-based systems will be highlighted. The track supports global sustainability goals.

This special track is dedicated to fostering the next generation of scientists in catalysis and chemical engineering. Graduate students, postdocs, and early-career professionals will showcase innovative research through oral and poster presentations. Topics span all areas of catalysis, from basic research to applied industrial solutions. The forum offers mentorship opportunities and feedback from senior researchers and industry leaders. Presenters will compete for "Best Young Investigator" and "Best Poster" awards. Emphasis will be on interdisciplinary and collaborative projects. This track serves as a launchpad for fresh ideas and future collaborations. Special workshops and networking sessions will support professional growth.