(3et) Converting Lignocellulosic Biomass Into Sustainable Chemicals and Fuels | AIChE

(3et) Converting Lignocellulosic Biomass Into Sustainable Chemicals and Fuels

Authors 

Wettstein, S. G. - Presenter, University of Wisconsin-Madison


Converting lignocellulosic biomass into sustainable chemicals and fuels is of major interest due to environmental and economic issues associated with petroleum and the desire to use a non-food source to produce fuels. The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to produce fuels and chemicals involves a balance between production of high-value chemicals with the production of lower-value, but higher-volume transportation fuels. My research interest is developing novel pathways to convert biomass to fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass, which combines my knowledge of separations and catalysis. My undergraduate degree in paper science and work experience at Kimberly-Clark provided me experience with pulp/paper feedstocks and manufacturing processes. As a graduate student under Professors Falconer and Noble (University of Colorado – Boulder), I investigated the influence of adsorbate-induced crystal changes on zeolite membranes using XRD, gas separations, and pervaporation. My post-doc research, under the guidance of Prof. James Dumesic, involves using catalysis and novel platform chemicals to produce sustainable biofuels and chemicals. I hope to build on my materials science and catalysis knowledge to create a strong research program to study novel combinations of separation and catalytic processes.