Research Thrusts

Current Research Thrusts

CCEI’s research enables the U.S. to meet the energy challenges of the future by developing catalytic technologies for sustainable energy applications through a spectrum of processes envisioned in a future biorefinery. Our research focuses on the conversion of lignocellulosic (non-food based) biomass and its derivatives to fuels, chemicals, and other bioproducts. CCEI explores also feedstock diversification to render biorefineries profitable. Our work entails (1) synthesis and characterization of novel catalysts, (2) development and application of multiscale modeling, (3) catalyst evaluation, (4) mechanistic and kinetics insights of macromolecular chemistry occurring in complex environments of micro- and meso-pores and often in solvents, (5) workforce development, and (6) technology transfer.

Learn more about our current research thrusts below.

Dienes

Lubricants

Surfactants

Adhesives

Prior Research Thrusts

Learn more about our prior research thrusts below.

Furans

Hydrodeoxygenation
(HDO)

Aromatics

Lignocellulose
Hydrolysis

Fuels