Projects
The role of metal cations as templating species in zeolite formation KU Leuven
At present zeolite synthesis is still more an art than a science, especially these syntheses that are exclusively depending on alkali metal cations as structure directors. Much remains unclear about zeolite crystallisation, as is often evidenced by the dramatic impact of slight modifications of the synthesis conditions on the products formed. Today, less than 10 zeolite types are commercially exploited, while more than 200 framework types ...
Catalytic degradation of lignin to useful chemicals. KU Leuven
Lignocellulose, the most abundant biomass constituent, represents a promising renewable resource for the production of biofuels, chemicals and materials. In analogy with a petrochemical refinery, lignocellulose can be processed in a so-called biorefinery. While a large number of biorefinery strategies have been described and investigated, new ones are constantly being developed. Most of these methods enable an efficient valorization of the ...
Catalytic and photocatalytic properties of metal-organic frameworks with electronically tuned ligands. KU Leuven
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a relatively new class of crystalline porous materials built up from metal nodes interconnected with multivariate linker molecules, offering an unprecedented chemical and structural diversity. They are widely investigated as catalysts, yet examples of MOFs in basic catalysis are less widespread and typically limited to materials that employ N-functionalized linker molecules as the source of their basicity. ...