Univ.-Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Regina Palkovits

Regina Palkovits is Full Professor for Heterogeneous Catalysis and Chemical Technology at RWTH Aachen University. Research in her group focuses on the development of novel solid catalysts for the efficient utilization of fossil and renewable resources and on process design for the transformation of biomass into value-added chemicals and biofuels.

The main topics under investigation are:

• Catalyst and process engineering for the efficient use of renewable resources
• Multiphase catalytic systems for the integration of catalytic transformation and separation
• Design of novel solid molecular catalysts to bridge homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis
• Material development for the challenge of energy production and sustainable technologies

The research focuses specifically on the following processes:

• Catalytic low temperature conversion technologies for the efficient utilization of biomass based on lignocellulose rich residues and waste streams with focus on catalyst and process development for application in developing and emerging countries
• Direct oxidation of methane to methanol via methylbisulfate as intermediate species using polymer-based solid catalysts
• Ammonia decomposition using suitable catalysts for both low and high temperature applications
• Hydrogenolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose resulting in C-C and C-O cleavage for the direct transformation of biomass into value-added chemicals
• Production of 2,5-furandialdehyde (FDA) and 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from biomass to be used as monomers for polymer synthesis