NERI-CEE Joint Seminar by
Prof. Carsten Sievers on 4 Aug 2025

NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI), in collaboration with the NUS Civil and Environmental Engineering, was delighted to host Prof. Carsten Sievers from Georgia Institute of Technology for an engaging seminar on 4 August 2025: “The Blessings and Curses of Carbonaceous Deposits in Zeolites.”

Prof. Sievers shared cutting-edge insights on the formation and impact of carbonaceous deposits in zeolite catalysts, a critical topic for advancing sustainable chemical processes. While traditionally regarded as a cause of catalyst deactivation, Prof. Sievers showcased fascinating examples where these deposits can be managed—and even leveraged—to enhance catalytic performance. Key highlights included mitigation strategies for isobutane/2-butene alkylation over LaX zeolites and a novel perspective on n-butene isomerization over ferrierite, where the presence of carbonaceous deposits contributes to peak catalyst performance via resonant aromatic species.

This seminar sparked valuable discussions on catalyst design and regeneration for sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. We thank Prof. Sievers for sharing his expertise, and all attendees for contributing to a vibrant intellectual exchange.

We look forward to more collaborations and knowledge-sharing events to advance innovation in environmental and chemical engineering!