Catalysis and Chemical Processes

The area of Catalysis and Chemical Processes (DCAP) is dedicated to R&D activities focusing on chemical and energy sectors. Aligned with Brazilian government’s strategic programs and exploring their innovation potential, the activities are aimed at developing new processes and using different raw materials, including renewables, for the chemical industry in order to minimize environmental impacts and establish sustainable processes.

Engaged in Heterogeneous Catalysis since its implementation in 1985, currently DCAP’s work is focused on R&D for the energy and chemical sectors, with strong emphasis on the use of renewable raw materials and biomass. The use of parallel experimentation techniques (high-throughput experimentation) in developing new catalytic systems, the exploration of new reactors (membrane reactors, microchannel reactors, plate reactors) in the establishment of new processes and the use of chemical methods for synthesizing nanostructured catalysts are among the team's activities. Research lines based on biocatalysis also became part of DCAP’s project scope in 2008. Today, the division also operates in the development of biocatalytic processes for the production of biofuels and bioproducts.

With a large, modern laboratory infrastructure, DCAP has a significant number of technical and scientific contributions such as papers published in high impact journals, attendance in the most significant conferences worldwide and several patents. With over 30 years of experience, the Catalysis area is currently considered one of the most active catalysis centers in Brazil.

The division is structured with three laboratories:

• Catalysis Laboratory (LACAT)
• Biocatalysis Laboratory (LABIC)
• Laboratory of Combinatorial Catalysis (LACCO)

CONTACT

Head of the Catalysis and Chemical Processes Division - DCAP