Thailand possesses immense potential in developing its biorefinery industry due to its abundant supply of biomass and agricultural waste materials. These raw materials can be used to produce a wide range of products, such as biomass fuels, biomass chemicals, bioplastics, and biopharmaceuticals, by utilizing biotechnology processes i.e. fermentation and enzyme-catalyzed reactions along with chemical technologies such as electrochemistry and catalysts. The study and development of catalysts for these processes are crucial in propelling Thailand's biorefinery industry to the forefront.
The research team from the Center of Excellence in Catalytic Engineering for the Biorefinery Industry has recently visited leading research institutions in three countries, namely Taiwan, Singapore, and Austria. The purpose of these visits was to engage in discussions, establish networks, and expand the capabilities of research tools through integrated collaboration.
The research team traveled to exchange knowledge and establish a network for the use of synchrotron radiation in advanced characterization of catalysts with Dr. Yu-Shan Huang and Dr. Jeng-Lung Chen at The National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC) in Taiwan from December 8-10, 2023. The purpose was to study the measurement system and conduct experiments using the Quick-scanning X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) technique at beamline 44A of the Taiwan Photon Source (TPS) at NSRRC. They investigated nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) catalysts, prepared by the research team using the sol-gel-combustion technique, for the conversion of ethanol to high-value chemicals. Furthermore, they had the opportunity to discuss joint research with Prof. Ru-Shi Liu from the Department of Chemistry at National Taiwan University to expand future collaborations and research endeavors.
The research team visited Singapore from January 28-30, 2024, to study, exchange knowledge, and establish a research network with Prof. Lee Jong-Min from Nanyang Technological University. The discussions held during this visit will lead to future collaborations in leveraging synchrotron radiation techniques in Thailand to characterize and identify catalytic materials in the future.
The research team travelled to Vienna, Austria, from March 15-24, 2024, to exchange knowledge and establish collaboration with Prof. Karin Föttinger at the Vienna University of Technology. During the visit, they toured state-of-the-art research laboratories for catalysts and catalyst performance testing systems designed to investigate reaction mechanisms and products, such as Flow-injection Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) - mass spectrometry (MS) and vacuum TPD. The Austrian research team will share their expertise in these analytical techniques and plans to utilize synchrotron radiation facilities in Thailand.
The outcomes of the joint research discussions with various research institutions in these three countries have led to the exchange of knowledge and the establishment of a research network utilizing synchrotron radiation techniques for in-depth characterization and structural analysis of various catalysts. This collaboration is highly beneficial to the research project at the Center of Excellence in Catalytic Engineering for the Biorefinery Industry, as it will contribute to the development and advancement of various industries in Thailand in the future.
