Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Emerging chemical engineering technologies and innovations are in huge demand. They shape efficiency and process optimisation into industries, thereby defining sustainability. Some of the emerging technologies include digitalisation, automation, and new catalytic materials. They allow chemical engineers to make quite radical changes in the ways things are done today regarding energy, protection of the environment, and the management of resources. Presentations focus on the frontiers and achievements in different aspects of chemical engineering and bring to the fore how innovations in this field will have an impact on the prevalent processes so as to build a sustainable and resilient future. Another trend, perhaps one of the most important in this day and age, is the integration of the digital tool, namely artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI and ML). AI and ML can, through a pool of vast data, optimize chemicals processes, predict whether machinery has been due for maintenance, and improve decision-making. An example would be a digital twin-a virtual model of any physical system that grants engineers permission to simulate conditions within any process, test new designs, and find efficiencies without throwing good money after bad in trial-and-error experiments. Such technologies give data-driven smarter approaches to the chemical production process, with maximum efficiency and minimum waste. Advanced materials research is a newer area, which includes nanomaterials and MOFs, improving catalysis and overall processes. Nanomaterials and other related advanced materials-these have their high surface area and unique properties, accelerate reactions, and improve selectivity in catalytic processes. MOFs open yet another opportunity: one can tune pore structures and morphologies for a particular application-for example, for the separation of gases or carbon capture. Therefore, chemical engineers can design new processes that are more efficient and more environmentally friendly with such materials. Sustainable process intensification has been witnessing increased interest of late, given the growing pressure from industries to reduce the footprint they make on the environment. This may be achieved through design innovations that make the process more compact and energy-efficient. Examples of some such design options include bundling several reaction steps into a single unit or through microreactors; in such devices, reaction conditions can be controlled to a very great extent. Thus, process intensification leads to greener and more economical manufacturing by reducing energy consumption while downsizing equipment. Biotechnology is also integrating in chemical engineering: the process involves using materials as well as digital tools in producing chemicals and fuels with a lower carbon footprint. Bio-based processes will be based on enzymes, microorganisms, and renewable feedstocks, while synthetic biology and metabolic engineering allow for the design of new organisms to allow biomass to be efficiently converted into valuable products.Emerging chemical engineering technologies and innovations are in high demand, shaping efficiency and process optimization across industries and defining sustainability. Some of these emerging technologies include digitalization, automation, and new catalytic materials. These innovations enable chemical engineers to make radical changes in areas such as energy, environmental protection, and resource management. This session highlights the latest advancements and achievements across chemical engineering, showcasing how innovations in this field will transform existing processes to build a sustainable and resilient future.

One significant trend is the integration of digital tools, particularly artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI and ML). AI and ML can optimize chemical processes by analyzing vast datasets, predicting maintenance needs for machinery, and enhancing decision-making. A notable example is the digital twin—a virtual model of a physical system that allows engineers to simulate conditions within a process, test new designs, and identify efficiencies without costly trial-and-error experiments. Such technologies offer data-driven, smarter approaches to chemical production, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.

Advanced materials research is another evolving area, including nanomaterials and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which enhance catalysis and overall processes. Nanomaterials, with their high surface area and unique properties, accelerate reactions and improve selectivity in catalytic processes. MOFs present additional opportunities by allowing customization of pore structures and morphologies for specific applications, such as gas separation or carbon capture. With these materials, chemical engineers can design more efficient and environmentally friendly processes.

Sustainable process intensification has gained attention as industries face growing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. This approach can be realized through design innovations that make processes more compact and energy-efficient. For instance, bundling multiple reaction steps into a single unit or using microreactors allows for precise control of reaction conditions. Process intensification contributes to greener and more economical manufacturing by reducing energy consumption and minimizing equipment size.

Biotechnology is also becoming integral to chemical engineering, incorporating materials and digital tools to produce chemicals and fuels with a lower carbon footprint. Bio-based processes leverage enzymes, microorganisms, and renewable feedstocks, while synthetic biology and metabolic engineering enable the design of organisms capable of efficiently converting biomass into valuable products.