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Dr. Chris Saffron’s research program investigates the use of thermochemical, electrochemical, and catalytic technologies for converting plant biomass into liquid fuels, solid fuels, and higher value products. His students have developed electrocatalytic techniques for the stabilization and upgrading of pyrolysis oil to produce hydrocarbon fuels. Through electrocatalytic reduction, Dr. Saffron focuses on energy upgrading of lignin-derived phenolics to form cyclohexanol and alkyl cyclohexanols, which are an active area of interest. His group has begun examining regional deployment of deconstruction and conversion technologies at small-scale biomass upgrading depots to balance competing forces of economies of scale and economies of transportation. Sustainability analyses, life-cycle assessments, and technoeconomic modeling are performed to design renewable energy systems that inform public policy. His research team is currently collaborating with numerous industrial partners and state and federal agencies to understand the mechanisms controlling the productivity of these technologies and to foster strategies that alleviate risks associated with eventual commercialization.
Department of Psychology