Acronym: HierZeo4Biofuel
Call Addressed: National Horizontal Act – Aristeia II
Project Title: Nanostructured Hierarchical Zeolites for Sustainable Production of second generation biofuels
Coordinator: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Person In Charge:Dr. Konstantinos Triantafyllidis 
Start Date-End Date/Duration: 31/07/2015

Partners

University of Crete (UOC), Greece
Technological Educational Institute of Sterea Ellada (TEISTE), Greece
Michigan State University (MSU), United States

Abstract

The project aims at the development of new catalytic materials based on novel hybrid zeolites with hierarchical nano-structure and micro/meso/macro-porosity, for the sustainable production of hydrocarbon-based 2nd generation biofuels (gasoline, diesel, jet fuels) utilizing as raw materials by-products/wastes of lignocellulosic biomass or low quality acidic/used vegetable oils. Fundamental understanding of the atomic-scale structure and related properties of the new “hierarchical zeolites” utilizing experimental data and molecular modeling will be a major objective of the project.

The research methodology will be based on the following pillars: (1) Rational design and synthesis of novel hierarchical zeolites which will comprise classical zeolitic microporosity (of ZSM-5, Beta, Y, ferrierite, etc. framework types), uniform intra-crystal mesoporosity, and inter-particle meso/macroporosity; (2) Detailed physicochemical characterization and study of sorption/diffusion and reaction kinetics using probe molecules; (3) Theoretical analysis and modeling of the structure and properties of the hierarchical zeolites; (4) Catalytic evaluation of the new zeolites in pyrolysis, cracking, hydrooxygenation and hydroisomerization reactions using bio-feedstocks; and (5) Formulation of the hierarchical zeolites into micro-meter size particles and scale-up activities (production of catalysts and pilot testing).

Implementation of the proposed project will generate new fundamental knowledge in the field of synthesis and application of micro/mesoporous catalysts for the production of high quality (bio)fuels and (bio)chemicals. Dissemination activities, techno-economical evaluation and study of impact to environment and society, as well as training of young researches will complement the research targets/activities of the project.