Tomas Ramirez Reina

• PhD in Chemistry (heterogeneous catalysis)
• University of Seville

CO2 hydrogenation with green hydrogen is a practical approach for the reduction of CO2 emissions and the generation of high-value-added chemicals. Generally, product selectivity is affected by the associated reaction mechanisms, internal catalyst identity and structure, and external reaction conditions. Here we examine typical CO2 hydrogenation rea...

Aromatic hydrocarbons play a pivotal role in various industrial applications, serving as essential building blocks to produce polymers, resins, and specialty chemicals. Traditionally, their synthesis has been reliant on fossil fuels, raising concerns about environmental sustainability and resource depletion. However, recent advancements in the fiel...

Fe-based catalysts show great promise in advancing the application of high-temperature Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (HT-FTS) for producing value-added chemicals and liquid fuels; however, maintaining high catalytic activity and stability at elevated temperatures remains a significant challenge. Here, a novel approach was employed to prepare carbon sph...

ACS Sustainable Resour. Manage. 2024, 1, 11, 2338–2349. https://pubs.acs.org/toc/asrmcd/1/11. This cover image from the article "Navigating the Legislative Interventions, Challenges, and Opportunities in Revolutionizing Textile Upcycling/Recycling Processes for a Circular Economy" encapsulates the core elements of sustainable fashion, emphasizing t...

Integrated CO2 Capture and Utilization (ICCU) is gathering momentum as a promising strategy to curb harmful CO2 emissions. This approach enables the use of dilute emissions as a source of carbon for chemical synthesis through processes like methanation, reverse water gas shift, or dry reforming of methane. One ICCU approach is performed using dual...

Microplastics fibers shed from washing synthetic textiles are released directly into the waters and make up 35% of primary microplastics discharged to the aquatic environment. While filtration devices and regulations are in development, safe disposal methods remain absent. Herein, we investigate catalytic hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) as a means...

Embracing a circular economy in the textile industry represents a crucial step toward sustainability, where fashion and textile sectors contribute significantly to CO2 emissions. However, transitioning from a linear "take-make-waste" model to circularity, poses multifaceted challenges, that highlight the staggering volume of annual textile waste su...

The escalating concerns about traditional reliance on fossil fuels and environmental issues associated with their exploitation have spurred efforts to explore eco-friendly alternative processes. Since then, in an era where the imperative for renewable practices is paramount, the aromatic synthesis industry has embarked on a journey to diversify its...

The production of light olefins from the hydrogenation of CO2 is an efficient way to utilize CO2, where the surface oxygen vacancy in metal oxide plays an important role in CO2 adsorption and activation. Here, the Ga-Zr metal oxides were prepared by hydrolysis of urea at different temperatures and combined with SAPO-34 to prepare the bifunctional c...

The urgent need for mitigating climate change necessitates a transformative shift in energy production and consumption paradigms. Amidst this challenge, bioenergy emerges as a pivotal contributor to the global energy transition, offering a diverse array of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels derived from biomass. This mini review delves into the uniqu...

Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) allows the conversion of syngas to high-density liquid fuels, playing a key role in the petrochemical and global energy sectors over the last century. However, the current Global Challenges impose the need to recycle CO2 and foster green fuels, opening new opportunities to adapt traditional processes like FTS to beco...

In this piece, we explore the transformative potential of sustainable biofuel production as a solution to the energy crisis and a pivotal element in realizing the environmental and societal ambitions of Society 5.0. Through a critical examination of “bottom-up” and “top-down” strategies for converting bio-feedstocks sourced from anthropogenic activ...

This study introduces a novel techno-economic approach to renewable ammonia production using landfill biogas. The proposed process involves bio-hydrogen generation from landfill biogas, nitrogen production via air separation, and the Haber-Bosch process. Building on our prior research, which demonstrated the economic competitiveness of renewable hy...

With the widespread application of communication equipment with electromagnetic signal transmission to cause electromagnetic radiation pollution, there is an urgent need for high-performance electromagnetic shielding materials. Here, an ultrathin, flexible, alternating multilayered, and conductive gradient-structured cellulose nanofiber–MXene/silve...

This review paper delves into the diverse ways in which carbonaceous resources, sourced from renewable and sustainable origins, can be used in catalytic processes. Renewable carbonaceous materials that come from biomass-derived and waste feedstocks are key to developing more sustainable processes by replacing traditional carbon-based materials. By...

The RWGS reaction is gathering momentum as effective route for CO2 valorisation and given its endothermic nature the challenge lies on the design of active low-temperature catalysts. Herein we have designed two catalysts based on subnanometric Pt clusters rendering effective CO2 conversion and more importantly high CO selectivity in the low-tempera...

Rational design of low‐cost and efficient transition‐metal catalysts for low‐temperature CO2 activation is significant and poses great challenges. Herein, a strategy via regulating the local electron density of active sites is developed to boost CO2 methanation that normally requires >350 °C for commercial Ni catalysts. An optimal Ni/ZrO2 catalyst...

Rational design of low‐cost and efficient transition‐metal catalysts for low‐temperature CO2 activation is significant and poses great challenges. Herein, a strategy via regulating the local electron density of active sites is developed to boost CO2 methanation that normally requires >350 ℃ for commercial Ni catalysts. An optimal Ni/ZrO2 catalyst a...

The reliance of a future carbon-free horizon is strongly aligned with the long-term energy storage avenues which are completely derived from renewable energy resources. Ammonia with its high energy content and density can perform as a decent candidate for buffering the short-term storage options. However, the current NH3 production majorly feeding...

Bioderived materials have emerged as sustainable catalyst supports for several heterogeneous reactions owing to their naturally occurring hierarchal pore size distribution, high surface area, and thermal and chemical stability. We utilize sporopollenin exine capsules (SpECs), a carbon-rich byproduct of pollen grains, composed primarily of polymeriz...

Beyond its role as an energy vector, a growing number of natural hydrogen sources and reservoirs are being discovered all over the globe, which could represent a clean energy source. Although the hydrogen amounts in reservoirs are uncertain, they could be vast, and they could help decarbonize energy-intensive economic sectors and facilitate the ene...

Nickel phosphide catalysts show a high level of selectivity for the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction, inhibiting the competing methanation reaction. This work investigates the extent to which suppression of methanation can be controlled by phosphidation and tests the stability of phosphide phases over 24-hour time on stream. Herein the synth...

The rising adverse effects of climate change call for a rapid shift to low-carbon energy and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. For that, biorefineries appear as promising alternatives to produce energy, chemicals, and fuels using biomass and waste as raw materials. Here, we review catalytic aqueous-phase reforming to convert biomass and orga...

Washing synthetic textile fibers releases micro/nano plastics, endangering the environment. As new filters and associated regulations are developed to prevent fiber release from washing machines, there emerges a need to manage the collected waste, for which the only current options are combustion or landfill. Herein we show for the first time the a...

Biofuels upgrading gathering momentum in view of the gradual depletion of fossil fuels and the pursuit of renewable energy sources to mitigate global warming. Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is a key reaction in the upgrading of bio-oil to produce hydrocarbon fuels or high-value chemicals. Oxygen removal in bio-oil increases its calorific value, improve t...

Since climate change keeps escalating, it is imperative that the increasing CO2 emissions be combated. Over recent years, research efforts have been aiming for the design and optimization of materials for CO2 capture and conversion to enable a circular economy. The uncertainties in the energy sector and the variations in supply and demand place an...

Herein we study the economic performance of hydrochar and synthetic natural gas co-production from olive tree pruning. The process entails a combination of hydrothermal carbonization and methanation. In a previous work, we evidenced that standalone hydrochar production via HTC results unprofitable. Hence, we propose a step forward on the process de...

Fe-derived catalysts were synthesized by the pyrolysis of MIL-100 (Fe) metal-organic framework (MOF) and evaluated in the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction. The addition of Rh as a dopant by in-situ incorporation during the synthesis and wet impregnation was also considered. Our characterization data showed that the main active phase was a mi...

The signal crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems direly need to be resolved in the rapid development of modern microwave communication technology for a better working frequency and transmission power of electronic systems. Where the new absorbing materials such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)/titania (TiO2)/Ti2CTx and MoS2/Ti2CTx...

Introduction: Innovating technologies to efficiently reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emission or covert it into useful products has never been more crucial in light of the urgent need to transition to a net-zero economy by 2050. The design of efficient catalysts that can make the above a viable solution is of essence. Many noble metal catalysts already...

The signal crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems direly need to be resolved in the rapid development of modern microwave communication technology for a better working frequency and transmission power of electronic systems. Where the new absorbing materials such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 )/titania (TiO 2 )/Ti 2 CT x and MoS...

CO2 emissions in the atmosphere have been increasing rapidly in recent years, causing global warming. CO2 methanation reaction is deemed to be a way to combat these emissions by converting CO2 into synthetic natural gas, i.e., CH4. NiRu/CeAl and NiRu/CeZr both demonstrated favourable activity for CO2 methanation, with NiRu/CeAl approaching equilibr...

Currently, acetic acid is produced via carbonylation reaction of methanol, entailing the main route the use of homogeneous noble metal-based catalysts, which have limitations including the use of polluting alkyl...

The role of carbon dioxide in our changing climate is now hard to ignore, and many countries are making pledges to reduce or eliminate their carbon output. Chemical valorisation of carbon dioxide, as an alternative to sequestration, is likely to play an important part in reaching these targets, and as such is one of the fastest developing areas of...

The catalytic performance is highly related to the catalyst structure. Herein, a series of Ni nanoparticles supported on Y2O3 with different morphologies were successfully synthesized via hydrothermal process screening different pH environments. These Ni/Y2O3 catalysts were applied to efficiently produce COx-free H2 through ammonia decomposition. W...

Understanding the viability of the RWGS from a thermodynamic and techno-economic angle opens new horizons within CO2 conversion technologies. Unfortunately, profitability studies of this technology are scarce in literature and mainly focused on overall conversion and selectivity trends with tangential remarks on energy demands and process costs. To...

Nowadays, global climate change is likely the most compelling problem mankind is facing. In this scenario, decarbonisation of the chemical industry is one of the global challenges that the scientific community needs to address in the immediate future. Catalysis and catalytic processes are called to play a decisive role in the transition to a more s...

We report for the first time the support dependent activity and selectivity of Ni-rich nickel phosphide catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation. New catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation are needed to commercialise the reverse water–gas shift reaction (RWGS) which can feed captured carbon as feedstock for traditionally fossil fuel-based processes, as well as to...

Hydrogen is not only considered as a cornerstone within renewable energy portfolio but it is also a key enabler for CO2 valorisation being a central resource for industrial decarbonization. This work evaluates the profitability of hydrogen production via combined biogas reforming and water–gas shift reaction, based on a real case scenario for landf...

The reverse water gas shift reaction (RWGS) has attracted much attention as a potential means to widespread utilization of CO2 through the production of synthesis gas. However, for commercial implementation of RWGS at the scales needed to replace fossil feedstocks with CO2, new catalysts must be developed using earth abundant materials, and these c...

The feasibility of a Dual Function Material (DFM) with a versatile catalyst offering switchable chemical synthesis from carbon dioxide (CO2) was demonstrated for the first time, showing evidence of the ability of these DFMs to passively capture CO2 directly from the air as well. These DFMs open up possibilities in flexible chemical production from...

The rapid economic and societal development have led to unprecedented energy demand and consumption resulting in the harmful emission of pollutants. Hence, the conversion of greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals and fuels has become an urgent challenge for the scientific community. In recent decades, perovskite-type mixed oxide-based catalysts h...

Micro/nano plastics have sparked greater attention in recent years due to their widespread presence. Currently, several waste valorisation approaches are under development, in order to upcycle micro/nano plastics. Thermal conversion technologies such as pyrolysis, gasification, liquefaction, or hydrothermal carbonization can yield high-valuable sol...

Biomass gasification streams typically contain a mixture of CO, H2, CH4, and CO2 as the majority components and frequently require conditioning for downstream processes. Herein, we investigate the catalytic upgrading of surrogate biomass gasifiers through the generation of syngas. Seeking a bifunctional system capable of converting CO2 and CH4 to C...

The production of biobutanol from bioethanol by the Guerbet reaction is an alternative pathway to renewable sources. The commercial viability of this green route requires improvements in the process development. This study experimentally examines the influence of operating conditions on the performance of a Mg–Al spinel catalyst prepared from hydro...

The use of fossil fuels is primarily responsible for the increasing amounts of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere and, unless this issue is quickly addressed, the effects of global warming will worsen. Synthesis gas (syngas) is an attractive target chemical for carbon capture and utilisation and dry reforming of methane (DRM) enables the co...

In this work, the evolution of pyrolytic products of nature rubber (NR) and vulcanized NR were studied by performing a series of ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations under different temperatures (2400, 2600, 2800, 3000 K) were performed to investigate the influence of temperature on the distribution and characterization of product...

The energy crisis caused by the incessant growth in global energy demand joint to its associated greenhouse emissions motivates the urgent need to control and mitigate atmospheric CO2 levels. Leveraging CO2 as carbon pool to produce value-added products represents a cornerstone of the circular economy. Among the CO2 utilization strategies, electroc...

The conversion of biogas, mainly formed of CO2 and CH4, into high-value platform chemicals is increasing attention in a context of low-carbon societies. In this new paradigm, acetic acid (AA) is deemed as an interesting product for the chemical industry. Herein we present a fresh overview of the current manufacturing approaches, compared to potenti...

Chemical CO2 recycling in gas phase constitutes a straightforward approach for effective CO2 conversion to added value products like syngas or synthetic methane. In this scenario, some traditional processes such as the dry and bi-reforming of methane, the CO2 methanation and the reverse water gas shift (rWGS) have gained a renewed interest from the...

Reverse water gas shift (RWGS) competes with methanation as a direct pathway in the CO2 recycling route, with methanation being a dominant process in the low-temperature window and RWGS at higher temperatures. This work showcases the design of multi-component catalysts for a full-temperature-range RWGS behavior by suppressing the methanation reacti...

Advanced catalytic materials able to catalyse more than one reaction efficiently are needed within the CO2 utilisation schemes to benefit from end-products flexibility. In this study, the combination of Ni and Ru (15 and 1 wt%, respectively) was tested in three reactions, i.e. dry reforming of methane (DRM), reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) and CO2 m...

CO2 methanation is a promising route for converting CO2 into a marketable natural gas. The major challenge of this process is to enhance CO2 methanation catalytic activity at low temperature. This work showcases a supported-catalysts phase engineering strategy to overcome the challenge. We report a ∼24% decrease in the activation energy of methanat...

Biomass resources have the potential to become a viable renewable technology and play a key role within the future renewable energy paradigm. Since CO2 generated in bio-energy production is equal to the CO2 absorbed during the growth of the biomass, this renewable energy is a net zero emissions resource. Biomass gasification is a versatile method f...

Transition to low carbon societies requires advanced catalysis and reaction engineering to pursue green routes for fuels and chemicals production as well as CO2 conversion. This comprehensive review provides a fresh perspective on the dry reforming of methane reaction (DRM) which constitutes a straightforward approach for effective CO2 conversion t...

Rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels to the atmosphere from anthropogenic sources has led to the development of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies. In order to decarbonise chemical synthesis, a process intensification approach can be employed, wherein CO2 capture is coupled to a chemical reaction in a way that improves energy...

CO2 hydrogenation to CH3OH via heterogeneous catalysis is one of the most promising and available approaches for mitigation of anthropogenic CO2 issues. In this work, thermodynamic equilibria of CO2 to methanol were compared with experimental results at given conditions using a commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst for CO hydrogenation to methanol. It w...

In this work, the use of biomethane produced from local biogas plants is proposed as renewable fuel for light marine transport. A profitability analysis is performed for three real biogas production plants located in Cornwall (United Kingdom), considering a total of 66 different scenarios where critical parameters such as distance from production p...

The active forms of Au and Pt in CeO2-based catalysts for the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction are an issue that remains unclear, although it has been widely studied. On one hand, ionic species might be responsible for weakening the Ce-O bonds, thus increasing the oxygen mobility and WGS activity. On the other hand, the close contact of Au or Pt atom...

Torrefaction is a key process for biomass energy densification ahead of its utilisation in pyrolysis, gasification or combustion, and therefore the changes it originates have been the subject of multiple studies. Most of them employ low heating rates, in the range of thermogravimetric analysers (TGA), typically below 1 °C s⁻¹ or high rates (100-100...

It is worthwhile to invest in the development of CO2 reforming of methane, as it presents a promising alternative for transforming two global warming gases into a very versatile product such as syngas. A syngas rich feed gas presents extensive prospects for existing downstream industrial processes for producing valuable fuels and chemicals. The com...

VKSim is open access, follow this link: https://kairos.warwick.ac.uk/VKSim/ Production of fuels and targeted chemicals from biomass represents a current challenge. Pyrolysis of biomass generates liquid bio-oils but these are highly complex mixtures. In order to obtain the desired...

The exponential growth of greenhouse gas emissions and their associated climate change problems have motivated the development of strategies to reduce CO2 levels via CO2 capture and conversion. Reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction has been targeted as a promising pathway to convert CO2 into syngas which is the primary reactive in several reactio...

The reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction is a promising near term technology for introducing carbon dioxide as feedstock to the broader chemical industry due to the possibility it offers for syngas production at a low carbon footprint. While this reaction has attracted significant attention recently for catalyst and process development, there is...

Historically, the emission of particles from clinker kiln stacks has been one of the main environmental concerns in cement manufacturing processes. Up to now, environmental regulations have only focused on determining and controlling filterable particulate matter (FPM) in industrial emission sources. However, in recent years a growing interest in d...

Fe-based catalysts are efficient systems for CO2 conversion via reverse water-gas shift (rWGS) reaction. Nevertheless, the nature of the active phase, namely metallic iron, iron oxide or iron carbide remains a subject of debate which our paper is meant to close. Fe⁰ is a much better catalyst for the rWGS than Fe3C. The activity of Fe⁰ can be promot...

Designing an economically viable catalyst that maintains high catalytic activity and stability is the key to unlock dry reforming of methane (DRM) as a primary strategy for biogas valorization. Ni/Al2O3 catalysts have been widely used for this purpose; however, several modifications have been reported in the last years in order to prevent coke depo...