COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & SCIENCE

Specialties: Catalysis Science, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Energy and Fuels
Research Center: Institute for Micromanufacturing
Lab: The Xiao Group – Reaction Engineering and Catalysis Science Laboratory

Catalysis science is the central component and primary driver for sustainable chemical and energy production in the future. The ongoing transition from fossil-based energy resources to alternative energy sources such as shale gas and biomass urgently requires the development of next-generation catalysts and catalytic processes. To move forward, it is imperative to bridge the relatively wide gap between fundamental research of catalysis science and the ability to transfer knowledge to practical innovation, which is essentially based on the discipline of chemical reaction engineering. The Xiao Group addresses these forefront challenges by integrally conducting catalyst design, controlled synthesis, in situ/operando characterization, kinetic measurements, reactor modeling for methane activation, and biomass to valuable chemicals and alternative fuels. The projects typically involve combined experimental and modeling investigations.