Prof. Tarak Mondal

Catalysis and Sustainable Energy Research Lab,
Department of Chemical Engineering,
Indian Institute of Technology Ropar
: Dr. Tarak Mondal

Dr. Tarak Mondal is a faculty member of department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar. He did his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and M. Tech in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. Dr. Mondal is an expert of heterogeneous catalysis, reaction engineering, chemical kinetics and modelling. His research area focused on biomass conversion processes, hydrogen production from renewable sources, monitoring exhaust emission, and waste to energy conversion etc. Dr. Mondal is a recipient of Distinction in doctoral research for the year 2016 from IIT Delhi. Dr. Mondal has several publications in international peer reviewed high impact journals. His work has been appreciated by subject peer groups

Title: Exploring the Possibilities of Energy Production and Decarbonization Through Thermochemical Route

Chemicals and fuels are the cornerstone of modern human society, driving industries, transportation, and countless daily products. Traditionally, these essential materials have been derived from fossil fuels. However, the environmental consequences and finite nature of these resources underscore the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Biomass, with its rich and renewable composition, presents a compelling option for the future of chemical and fuel production. This talk will explore the potential of biomass as a renewable feedstock, beginning with an overview of the chemical industry's heavy reliance on fossil fuels and the need to transition to more sustainable sources. I will discuss the biomass conversion through traditional thermochemical routes, as well as why converting biomass to chemicals offers a highly attractive alternative to the more common biomass-to-biofuels pathway. Special attention will be given to the role of platform chemicals, which serve as intermediates in producing high-value chemicals and fuels from biomass.

One such platform chemical, furfural, derived from lignocellulosic biomass, can be converted into valuable derivatives such as 2-methylfuran, a potential second-generation biofuel. In this presentation, I will detail the work conducted at IIT Ropar on developing catalytic routes for the conversion of furfural to 2-methylfuran via a continuous vapor phase process, highlighting the advances made in our research lab towards creating sustainable, high-value products from biomass. On the other hand, plastic has been one of the most important innovation for the betterment of the living standard of mankind. However, the rate of disposing of waste plastic has risen remarkably and thereby imposing a negative impact on public health and environment. Our investigation describes the effect of thermal and heterogeneous catalytic pyrolysis system on the yield, composition and the nature of the pyrolytic oil produced from various real-world plastic wastes.