Since September 2017, I am a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Aston University in the Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry department (CEAC). My research focuses on biomass conversion into high-value products and biorefineries.

In 2014, I completed my PhD in Chemical and Process Engineering (Research Excellence) at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. During my PhD, I worked under the supervision of Professor Paul T. Williams, on the synthesis and characterization of metal-based catalysts, to be used during catalytic steam reforming processing of refuse-derived fuel to yield a hydrogen-rich gas or syngas.

During my Ph.D., I was awarded a World University Network Scholarship to visit the University of Sydney in Australia, working in catalysts preparation. I also was awarded a grant from the KHT Royal Institute of Technology/Biofuels Research Infrastructure for Sharing Knowledge (BRISK), to carry out experiments at the ECN in Petten, Netherlands as part of the BRISK initiative. I also received funding twice from the Leeds for Life Foundation, to present results from my research at International Conferences in Portugal and Denmark. I have more than 10 Journal publications related to biomass conversion, hydrogen production from solid wastes, and I participated in a project supported by the White Rose Collaboration Fund. I am also a registered Ambassador of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Network (STEMNET) in the UK. 

Upon completion of my B Eng. in Chemical Engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), in 2007, I worked as a chemical engineer in an environmental consultancy. My main activities were carried out on the field at oil refineries (PEMEX, Mexican petroleum). Afterward, I worked on the application and development of chemical products for the paper industry, using specialised chemicals to avoid the formation of microorganisms during the paper-making process. 

Miss Sarah Asplin: Thermal conversion of inedible vegetable oil into aromatics (2nd year)

Currently accepting PhD students: "2020/21-028 - Algae-based biorefinery routes to obtain high-value fuels and chemicals" See details on link below

https://www2.aston.ac.uk/eas/documents/advertepsdtpdec2020.pdf

2010-2014 PhD in Chemical and Process Engineering (Research Excellence), University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.

2002-2007 BEng in Chemical Engineering (8.5/10), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico.

Higher Education:

Fellow of the Higher Education, UK.

Module Owner:

CE3019 ADVANCED REACTION ENGINEERING

CE3104 PROCESS AND POLLUTION CONTROL

CE4026 INDUSTRIAL CATALYSIS

Module Contributor:

CE1002 Design & Build

CE3003 Final Year Design Project

CE4011 MEng Research Project

Homogeneous & Heterogeneous Catalysts: synthesis, development, and characterisation for gas-solid, liquid-liquid, and solid-liquid reactions.

Biomass thermal conversion: pyrolysis, gasification, pyrolysis/gasification.

Design reactors for gasification: Circulating fluidised bed, fluidised bed, fixed-bed.

Bioenergy carriers, hydrogen production, hydrogen applications, BECCS (Bioenergy integrated to Carbon Capture).

Biochar formation, properties, and novel applications.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

Upgrading of biomass conversion products to obtain high-value fuels and chemicals.

KEYWORDS: Biomass pyrolysis and gasification, Tar formation, sampling, analysis and reduction in thermal processes; Biorefineries; lignocellulosic materials; Acid catalysts; Hydrolysis; Anhydrosugars; Biofuels; Bioethanol; Hydrogen

REVIEWER:

Fuel & Energy Journal; EPSRC; BBSCR proposals

CEAC Memberships:

Chair of CREST - CEAC Retention and Engagement Team

Chair of WAC - CEAC Walls and Corridors

EAS Memberships:

EAS Well-being team

ECR Forum

Other activities:

Open-Days

Phone number: +44 (0)121 204 4399
Email:  p.blanco-sanchez@aston.ac.uk 
Room Number: MB184-B