Dr. Laura Torrente Murciano

Biography

Professor Laura Torrente Murciano is the leader of the Process Integration and Catalysis Group at the University of Cambridge's Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. She specializes in the integration of processes and the development of novel catalytic routes aimed at sustainable technologies. Her research includes reaction engineering and encompasses the development of 3D printed microdevices for continuous production of metal nanoparticles with tuneable sizes, as well as differential reactors and kinetic studies in membrane reactors. The integration of reaction and separation steps into chemical processes is another focus area, particularly in multiphasic systems and the investigation of metallic membranes for in-situ hydrogen separation. Professor Torrente Murciano also explores the development of nanostructured materials as catalytic supports, emphasizing the structure-property relationships of various materials including ceria, titanate, alumina, and magnesia. Her work addresses the stabilization of metal nanoparticles, such as gold, cobalt, and palladium, for a wide range of catalytic applications, including low temperature activation of molecules, methane CO2 utilization, and sustainable hydrogen production through ammonia as a vector. Furthermore, she integrates existing proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology into her research, conducting life cycle analyses to enhance the efficiency of these technologies.

Research Interests

Experience