Dr. Emiel Hensen

Biography

Emiel Hensen focuses on the fundamental aspects of catalyzed reactions relevant to clean and sustainable processes for the production of fuels and chemicals. His aim is to identify active sites and understand reaction mechanisms. His working approach combines advanced operando characterization methods such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and vibrational spectroscopy applied to well-defined catalyst model systems. Furthermore, theoretical modeling including density functional theory and microkinetics is conducted alongside performance testing through kinetics and high-throughput methods. The materials explored primarily include highly structured porous materials containing reactive centers involving protons, metal ions, metals, and metal sulfide clusters. Hensen's research contributes to improving current industrial chemical processes as well as developing novel processes based on renewable feedstock like biomass. His targeted catalytic reactions involve methane activation, Fischer-Tropsch reactions, and the conversion of biogenic molecules like sugars and lignin. Hensen has made internationally recognized contributions in fields such as Lewis-acid catalysis for sugar conversion and the synthesis of hierarchical zeolites. He has also been involved as a visiting professor at various universities and holds a leadership position at TU/e.

Research Interests

Experience