I am a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Aston University. My research focus is in biomass conversion especifically in production of high-value fuels and chemicals. I work in research related to syngas and hydrogen production and utilisation, novel and green catalyst development, bio-oil upgrading, pyrolysis, and gasification.

I am currently Co-I of the new supergen Impact Hub, working on a technology development task for low carbon hydrogen production. I am part of the Wolfson Centre for low carbon hydrogen, also linked to Supergen. I am Co-I in the HyDex project which is designed to support and foster the creation of a new hydrogen industrial economy in the Midlands. I recently completed a RAEng project about biomass thermal conversion in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Ropar and A2P. The project addressed the paddy straw burning problem by converting the straw into valuable products like Energy and Soil Conditioners.

I am part of the editorial board of the Carbon Capture Science & Technology Journal (since 2022). I am also UK-representative for the International Energy Agency (IEA) Task 33: Biomass gasification. I am keen on developing and supervising research around biomass conversion, product upgrading, catalyst development, carbon capture, hydrogen production and utilisation, biomass resources, etc.

Current PhD studentship opportunities:

(1) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Negative Emissions Technologies for Net Zero: NET²ZERO

https://www.findaphd.com/phds/program/funded-phd-studentships-in-negative-emissions-technologies-for-net-zero-net2zero/?i11p6474

Application deadline: 13th May 2024; Potential start date: September 2024

(2) PhD in Low carbon hydrogen production from biomass gasification

Low carbon hydrogen production from biomass gasification at Aston University on FindAPhD.com

Application deadline: 1st June 2024; Potential start date: September-October 2024

Miss Sarah Asplin: Thermal conversion of inedible vegetable oil into aromatics (graduated 2022)

Miss Mpho Rapoo: Catalytic pyrolysis of biomass (started July 2021)

*Current PhD studentships opportunities:

(1) Negative Emissions Technologies for Net Zero (Net2Zero) Centre for Doctoral Training. NOTE: This scheme is open to both the UK and international applicants. We are only able to offer a limited number of studentships to applicants outside the UK. https://www.findaphd.com/phds/program/funded-phd-studentships-in-negative-emissions-technologies-for-net-zero-net2zero/?i11p6474

Application deadline: 13th May 2024 (Start date: September 2024)

Contact me if you are interested in a PhD linked to BECCS (Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) or Materials and products

(2) PhD in Low carbon H2 production from biomass gasification. NOTE: This scheme is open to both the UK and international applicants. The studentship for applicants outside the UK is highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to contact me prior to submitting your application.

Low carbon hydrogen production from biomass gasification at Aston University on FindAPhD.com

Application deadline: 1st June 2024 (Start date: September-October 2024)

2010-2014 PhD in Chemical and Process Engineering (Research Excellence), University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.

2002-2007 BEng in Chemical Engineering (8.5/10), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico.

Higher Education: Fellow of the Higher Education, UK.

Module Owner:

CE3ARE ADVANCED REACTION ENGINEERING

Module Contributor:

CE4ICA Industrial catalysis

CE3APD Final Year Design Project: Teaching Process Control & supervising projects

CE4011 MEng Research Project

Homogeneous & Heterogeneous Catalysts: synthesis, development, and characterisation for gas-solid, liquid-liquid, and solid-liquid reactions.

Biomass thermal conversion: pyrolysis, gasification, pyrolysis/gasification.

Design reactors for gasification: Circulating fluidised bed, fluidised bed, fixed-bed.

Bioenergy carriers, hydrogen production, hydrogen applications, BECCS (Bioenergy integrated to Carbon Capture).

Biochar formation, properties, and novel applications.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

Upgrading of biomass conversion products to obtain high-value fuels and chemicals.

KEYWORDS: Biomass pyrolysis and gasification, Tar formation, sampling, analysis and reduction in thermal processes; Biorefineries; lignocellulosic materials; Acid catalysts; Hydrolysis; Anhydrosugars; Biofuels; Bioethanol; Hydrogen

REVIEWER:

Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis (JAAP); Fuel & Energy Journal; EPSRC; BBSCR proposals

CEAC Memberships:

Member of CREST - CEAC Retention and Engagement Team

Other activities:

Support on Open-Days

Phone number: +44 (0)121 204 4399
Email:  p.blanco-sanchez@aston.ac.uk 
Room Number: MB184-B