Alessandro Allegri

The proposed thesis projects aim to introduce students to experimental research methodologies in industrial chemistry, with particular attention to the development of materials and processes supporting the transition toward more sustainable chemical production systems.

A cross-cutting element of all research activities is the integration of classical experimental research with advanced statistical approaches, particularly:

• Experimental Design (Design of Experiments, DoE) for the systematic optimization of reaction conditions and process parameters;

• Data analysis and machine learning tools to support the interpretation of experimental results, the modelling of catalytic systems, and the identification of correlations between material properties and catalytic performance.

This integrated approach allows students to develop skills that are increasingly relevant both in academic research and in the chemical industry, where data-driven methodologies are becoming essential for the development of new catalytic systems and chemical processes.

Thesis activities generally include a combination of:

• synthesis and characterization of materials;

• catalytic testing and evaluation of process performance;

• analysis and interpretation of experimental data;

• critical discussion of results in the context of the scientific literature.

The following research topics represent some of the main thesis opportunities available to students.

Development of inorganic nanoparticle-based catalysts for the oxidation of HMF to FDCA

This research line focuses on the development of nanostructured catalysts for the conversion of biomass-derived platform molecules. In particular, it investigates the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a molecule of high industrial relevance as a potential bio-based alternative to terephthalic acid in the production of sustainable polymers.

Thesis activities may include:

• synthesis of catalysts based on metallic nanoparticles or inorganic oxide materials;

• structural and surface characterization of the prepared materials;

• evaluation of catalytic activity and process selectivity;

• investigation of the parameters influencing the efficiency of the transformation.

Catalytic reduction and amination of bio-based molecules via hydrogen transfer using alcohols

This research topic focuses on the valorization of biomass-derived platform molecules, such as furfural, through catalytic reduction and amination processes.

Particular attention is devoted to transfer hydrogenation processes, in which alcohols act as hydrogen donors, avoiding the direct use of molecular hydrogen and contributing to the development of safer and more sustainable catalytic processes.

Thesis activities may include:

• development and investigation of heterogeneous catalytic systems;

• comparison between batch reactors and continuous flow systems;

• analysis of reaction parameters affecting activity and selectivity;

• investigation of reaction mechanisms.

Synthesis of nanostructured composite materials via spray-freeze drying

This research activity is carried out in collaboration with CNR-ISSMC (Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics) in Faenza, Italy.

The objective is the development of nanostructured composite materials using the spray-freeze drying technique, an advanced synthesis method that allows the preparation of highly porous materials with controlled morphology and high surface area.

Thesis activities may include:

• synthesis of composite materials based on oxide systems or ceramic supports;

• structural and textural characterization of the prepared materials;

• evaluation of their performance in catalytic applications.

This research line provides students with the opportunity to gain experience with advanced materials synthesis techniques and interdisciplinary research environments.

Biomass pyrolysis for the production of high surface area biochar

This research line focuses on the thermochemical conversion of biomass through pyrolysis processes, with particular attention to the use of microwave-assisted heating or continuous reactor systems.

The objective is the production of high surface area biochar, porous carbon materials that can be used in several applications, including:

• hydrogen (H₂) storage;

• CO₂ capture and storage;

• use as catalyst supports.

Thesis activities may include:

• investigation of pyrolysis conditions and process parameters;

• structural and surface characterization of the produced biochar;

• evaluation of adsorption properties and catalytic support performance.

CO₂ mineralization using industrial waste materials

This research topic is related to carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies.

The objective is to study the mineralization of CO₂ through its reaction with industrial waste materials containing reactive mineral phases, leading to the formation of stable carbonates.

Thesis activities may include:

• investigation of the reactivity of different industrial waste streams;

• optimization of reaction conditions;

• evaluation of the CO₂ sequestration potential of the process.

This research area addresses key issues related to industrial waste valorization and greenhouse gas mitigation.

Photocatalytic processes for the production of industrially relevant molecules

Another research line focuses on the development of photocatalytic processes, where light energy is used to promote chemical transformations.

The objective is to design photocatalytic materials and reaction systems capable of converting simple molecules or biomass-derived compounds into higher value-added chemicals.

Thesis activities may include:

• synthesis and characterization of photocatalytic materials;

• investigation of catalytic performance in light-driven reactions;

• analysis of parameters affecting efficiency and selectivity.

Overall, these thesis activities aim to provide students with the opportunity to engage with current scientific and technological challenges in sustainable industrial chemistry, while developing experimental skills, data analysis capabilities, and critical scientific reasoning within an interdisciplinary research context.