A research team from the Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM) at the Universitat Jaume I, comprising members of the Electrocatysis and Energy Group (ECATEN) and the Hybrid Catalytic Materials Group (HyCaM), has developed a new methodology for producing advanced catalytic materials for oxidation processes applicable to the chemical and petrochemical industries, as well as the energy sector.
The innovation lies in the modification of conductive supports to significantly improve their catalytic activity and efficiency. The invention has been validated at laboratory scale and in a 100 cm² demonstration prototype. Tests have shown optimal performance in the oxidation of various organic compounds and biomass-derived products, “confirming the material’s stability and its ability to operate efficiently under real-use conditions”, according to the research team.
The researchers also explained that “unlike traditional systems that rely on expensive and scarce noble metals, this technology uses transition metals, which are more abundant and sustainable”. The new production method stands out for its simplicity and environmentally friendly approach, as it is carried out in aqueous media and avoids the generation of toxic emissions.
Its technical advantages include lower costs through the replacement of precious metals; improved environmental sustainability by eliminating harmful solvents and avoiding pollutant gas emissions; high efficiency and selectivity, achieving complete conversions in short reaction times and generating ultra-high-purity hydrogen; and excellent reusability and durability after multiple consecutive operating cycles.
Potential applications of the new process include the chemical and petrochemical industries; the energy sector, particularly green hydrogen production; companies involved in biomass valorisation and the circular economy; the manufacture of industrial catalysts and specialised electrodes; and the treatment and conversion of organic waste into high-value-added products.
The team involved in the development of this methodology includes Francisco Fabregat Santiago, Elena Mas Marzá and Carmen Mejuto (ECATEN); Jose A. Mata Martínez and Iván Sorribes Terrés (HyCaM); and doctoral researchers Joan Vicent Miranda Palau and Judith Medina Vargas, all members of these two research groups within the Institute of Advanced Materials.
The new methodology, which is protected by a Spanish patent application, has been developed through the team’s own research and work carried out within the H2Value project (ref. PLEC2023-010376), co-funded by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) and the State Research Agency (AEI) under the “Transmisiones 2024” programme. The project involves four engineering companies (IDELAB Ingeniería, Lemar-Leben, Dismuntel and Indetec) and two research centres (INAM and UPV-ITQ). H2Value aims to develop a pilot plant to demonstrate the viability of green hydrogen production while co-producing high-value-added molecules from biomass.
The Universitat Jaume I, through the Research and Knowledge Transfer Management Service (SEGIT) and the Vice-Rector's Office for Innovation, Knowledge Transfer and Outreach, promotes the scientific and technological transfer of research results in line with its commitment to the dissemination and application of scientific, technical, social and humanistic knowledge.