Kerala varsity researchers patent catalyst to boost cleaner fuel production

Researchers at the Central University of Kerala (CUK) have secured an Indian patent for a novel catalyst technology that could help convert biomass and petrochemical feedstocks into cleaner fuels and value-added chemicals more efficiently than conventional methods.

The patent, titled 'Method for the Preparation of ITQ-2 Metal Oxy-Hydroxide Composite Material Thereof' (Indian Patent No. 596368), was granted to a team led by Prof. A. Sakthivel, along with researchers Soumya B.N. and Nimisha N.P. The innovation centres on a multifunctional catalyst built on a zeolite base — a porous, synthetic material widely used in industrial chemistry.

Catalysts are substances that accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. Traditional catalysts typically perform a single function, which can limit their efficiency. The newly developed material combines acidic and redox (reduction-oxidation) properties in one structure, allowing multiple reaction steps to occur more effectively. According to Prof. Sakthivel, the main innovation lies in the preparation of the material itself, which integrates these functions while also improving access to active sites within the catalyst.

The technology is expected to have future applications in the petroleum and petrochemical industries, particularly in producing cleaner fuels, fuel additives, polymers, and other high-value chemicals. By enabling more efficient conversion of biomass — plant and waste-derived material — and petrochemical feedstocks, the catalyst could contribute to reducing energy consumption and emissions in these sectors.

Prof. Sakthivel clarified that the research so far has focused on developing and patenting the catalyst material. Commercial fuel production using this technology has not yet begun, and further development and scale-up will be needed before it reaches industrial use. However, the patent provides legal protection for the preparation method, which is a crucial step toward potential commercialisation.

Zeolites are known for their well-defined pore structures and high surface area, making them valuable in applications such as fluid catalytic cracking in refineries. The ITQ-2 zeolite used in this work is a delaminated material with enhanced accessibility. By adding metal oxy-hydroxide species, the research team has created a hybrid system that can handle both acidic and redox reactions in a single vessel, potentially simplifying processes and lowering costs.

This development aligns with broader global efforts to find cleaner and more sustainable routes to fuels and chemicals. Biomass conversion, in particular, is seen as a key strategy to reduce reliance on fossil resources. While the technology is still at an early stage, the patent marks a notable contribution from Indian academic research to this growing field.

The patent adds to CUK's research portfolio and underscores the university's focus on applied science. Further studies are likely to explore the catalyst's performance under different conditions and feedstock types, with the aim of bringing it closer to real-world industrial application.