Degree in Biotechnology in 2016 and Master in Chemical Engineering in 2018 at University of Valencia. He completed his doctoral thesis in chemical, environmental and process engineering at University of Valencia in 2022. He has focused his research in the field of heterogeneous catalysis and biomass valorisation. He has worked as a researcher at University of Valencia and University of Bologna. Since February 2025 he has held the position of PhD Researcher at Rey Juan Carlos University, where he carries out research work in the Chemical and Environmental Engineering Group in the line of catalyst synthesis for the production of Biofuels.
Synergetic integration of BIOtechnology and thermochemical CaTalysis for the cAscade coNvErsion of organic waste to jet-fuel (BIOCTANE)
Funding : European Commission (GA 101084336)
Start / End Years : 2022 - 2026
Principal Investigator : Melero Hernández, Juan Antonio y Morales Sánchez, Gabriel
Research Team : - García Moreno, Adrián - Leo Llorente, Pedro - Melero Hernández, Juan Antonio - Morales Sánchez, Gabriel - Paniagua Martín, Marta - Ventura Sanchez-Hornero, MaríaShow summary:
The reduction of GHG emissions according to the Paris Agreement is particularly challenging regarding the production of green liquid fuels with a high energy density for the aviation sector (drop-in biokerosene). In this context, the BIOCTANE project aims to develop and optimize an innovative process for the conversion of organic waste materials naturally characterized by a high-water content (e.g. food-waste, organic material from the food processing industry) into carbon-neutral market-ready drop-in jet-fuels. In particular, BIOCTANE project will develop a proof of concept on the synergetic coupling of biotechnological and thermocatalytic processing routes by a disruptive and interdisciplinary strategy that will result in an efficient valorization of the organic wastes into renewable jet-fuel, maximizing the recovery of chemical energy, nutrients and carbon use. First, the complex organic waste will be converted into platform molecules (acetoin and 2,3-butanediol) by creating a breakthrough link between biotechnological processing of biowaste and hydrothermal gasification technology. Subsequently, a novel one-pot chemical process will be developed by the combination of different catalytic steps through which the platform molecules are converted to jet-fuel range hydrocarbons. Based on an extensive process flow modelling, the process efficiency and the technoeconomic requirements for full market integration as well as the environmental impact will be assessed. Best environmental performance, including recovering nutrients for reuse will be aimed for throughout the process development. Therefore, BIOCTANE will establish a novel pathway involving hybrid processes and multifunctional catalysts, contributing to implement sustainable, secure and competitive renewable energy technologies in Europe, boosting the use of advanced biofuels and with a direct impact on strategic areas like aviation transport
Catalytic transformation of levulinic acid into ?-valerolactone with photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen using a novel one-unit set-up: Optimization of the preparation procedure of ruthenium-based catalyst
García, Adrián; Silva, Elianny Da; García, Tomás; López, José Manuel; Fernández-Domene, Ramón; Erans, María; Dejoz, Ana M.; Sánchez-Tovar, Rita; Solsona, Benjamín
- Chemical Engineering Journal, 505, 159444 (2025)
- doi:10.1016/j.cej.2025.159444
Promoter Effect of Pt on Zr Catalysts to Increase the Conversion of Furfural to ?-Valerolactone Using Batch and Continuous Flow Reactors: Influence of the Way of the Incorporation of the Pt Sites
García, A. ; Saotta, A. ; Miguel, P.J. ; Sánchez-Tovar, R. ; Fornasari, G. ; Allegri, A. ; Torres-Olea, B. ; Cecilia, J.A. ; Albonetti, S. ; Dimitratos, N. ; Solsona, B.
- Energy & Fuels, 38 (11), 98499861 (2024)
- doi:10.1021/acs.energyfuels.4c01174
Defective outermost layers of ceria catalysts determined by electrochemical methods as direct responsible for catalytic activity in total oxidation of a representative VOC
García, A. ; Toca, L. ; Fernández-Domene, R.M. ; Ivars-Barceló, F. ; Montejano-Nares, E. ; Amorós, P. ; Sánchez-Tovar, R. ; Solsona, B.
- Applied Surface Science, 653, 159354 (2024)
- doi:10.1016/j.apsusc.2024.159354