Design of catalytic systems for sustainable processes development: hydrogen storage and biomass transformation

Abstract

The present PhD. Thesis is the result of research efforts directed towards the design and development of more sustainable catalytic processes trying to address some of the current challenges that today our society is facing such as the seek for clean energy alternatives, the reduction of environmental pollution and industrial waste (greenhouse gases, sewage), as well as to increase the use of renewable resources. To contribute to this arduous task, the 12 principles of Green Chemistry have been followed as a guide. Special attention has been paid to the use of catalysis, the development of atom economical processes, design for efficient energy relevant to the hydrogen economy and the use of biomass transformation. For this purpose, novel strategies to improve both, heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic processes have been studied and are now found within this PhD Thesis.