(4nm) Upgrading Low-Value Chemicals to High-Value Products through Catalytic Conversion with Metal Oxides

The increasing global demand for clean and renewable energy represents one of the foremost challenges of our time. The need for development catalytic processes that allows to develop a solution to hydrogen production, biomass conversion, chemical and fuels free of CO₂ and catalytic plastic decomposition remains as a challenge. Heterogeneous catalysis typically offers a solution for all these different challenges. My research group will be emphasizing all these alternative solutions to address the pressing need for clean and sustainable energy sources.

During my PhD, I had the opportunity to delve into the deoxygenation of biomass-derived compounds using metal oxides. Carboxylic acids, a significant fraction of renewable chemicals from lignocellulose biomass, were the focal point of my research. While it's widely known that reduced metals facilitate complete deoxygenation into alkanes, recent findings revealed oxides like MoO₃ selectively activate acids, yielding aldehydes and alcohols. In this study, I explored the kinetics of pentanoic acid (PA) conversion to aldehydes over MoO₃ in a gas-phase reactor. Incorporating low loadings of Pt clusters boosted PA conversion rates by promoting H₂ dissociation, shifting the rate-determining step from oxygen vacancy creation/regeneration to hydrogen addition to the carbonyl group. To gain deeper insights, we employed a micro-pulse reactor to examine the role of local H₂ coverage in the overall reaction.

During my postdoctoral position, I expanded my research interests to include hydrogen production free of CO₂ emissions and catalytic plastic decomposition. Investigating sustainable methods for hydrogen production is crucial for addressing global energy challenges while mitigating environmental impacts. Additionally, exploring catalytic plastic decomposition offers innovative solutions to the pressing issue of plastic waste management and environmental pollution.

-Hydrogen production; This study focuses on CO₂-free hydrogen production through methane conversion, coupled with carbon nanotube synthesis. A novel catalyst was designed and synthesized for efficient methane conversion to hydrogen and based-growth carbon nanotubes. Spectroscopy techniques (Environmental XPS, TEM, Raman, IR, BET, XRD) were employed to monitor hydrogen evolution and carbon nanotube growth during the catalytic process.

-Catalytic Plastic Decomposition: This study addresses the recycling challenges of multilayered plastic packaging films containing polyethylene (PE) and oxygen barrier polymers like poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (EVOH). Traditional methods yield low-value mixed plastics or face solubility issues. We introduce a biphasic solvent system using γ-Valerolactone – Decalin, enabling selective deoxygenation of EVOH layers while isolating nonpolar products. Our approach offers a potential solution for upgrading and separating complex plastic waste streams in a single pot, contributing to sustainable waste management practices.

Teaching Interest

My passion for teaching stems from the belief that education is a powerful tool for fostering greater equality and socio-economic balance in society. As a first-generation college graduate and Colombian, I have personally experienced the transformative impact of education. I am committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel empowered to thrive academically and personally. Through innovative teaching methods and personalized support, I aim to inspire my students to reach their full potential and contribute positively to their communities. My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that every individual deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of background or circumstance.

During my PhD and postdoctoral positions, I had the pleasure of mentoring approximately 8 master’s and PhD's students in their research projects. It was a rewarding experience to guide and support these students as they developed their research skills, tackled scientific challenges, and made valuable contributions to their respective fields. Through mentoring, I aimed to foster their intellectual curiosity, critical thinking abilities, and professional growth. It was gratifying to see them progress and succeed in their academic and research endeavors, and I am proud to have played a role in their journey.