Alessio Baldelli

PhD candidate
Eindhoven University of Technology

Department

Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

Contact information

Room
Helix STW 3.31

Email address
a.baldelli@tue.nl

Key expertises

Heterogeneous catalysis, catalyst synthesis, characterization, reaction testing, kinetic studies

About me

I was born and raised in central Italy and later moved to Bologna, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Chemistry and a Master's degree in Low Carbon Technologies and Sustainable Chemistry, both from the University of Bologna. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in catalysis. In July 2024, I started my PhD at Eindhoven University of Technology as a member of the ARC CBBC, working within the Inorganic Materials & Catalysis group.

About my research

My research focuses on developing sulfur-free catalyst systems for the production of sustainable aviation fuels from waste triglyceride streams, with particular emphasis on the impact of reaction products, such as water, on catalyst stability. To investigate the behavior of the prepared catalysts, reaction testing will be combined with various characterization techniques, including spectroscopy, electron microscopy, temperature programmed and adsorption methods. This project aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, with liquid hydrocarbons still crucial for high-energy sectors like aviation, even as mobility moves towards electrification.

Academic career

PhD Candidate
2024- present: PhD researcher in the Inorganic Materials & Catalysis group at the Eindhoven University of Technology, under the supervision of Prof.dr. Emiel Hensen.

MSc
2021-2023: Master’s degree in Low Carbon Technologies and Sustainable Chemistry, University of Bologna

Thesis project in the Catalysis for Renewables and Innovative Processes group focused on the development of new magnetic catalysts for the reductive catalytic fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass.

BSc
2017-2021: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry, University of Bologna
Thesis project in the Catalysis for Renewables and Innovative Processes group focused on the study of catalysts for the valorization of pyro-oil through ketonization reaction.