“Catálise@FEUP” (in portuguese), just published by FEUP Publications in the Series “FEUP History”is the new book from José Luís Figueiredo, Emeritus professor at DEQ and Researcher at LSRE-LCM.
Catalysis played an essential role in the development of the chemical industry throughout the 20th century. The use of catalysts provides for more efficient synthesis routes in terms of atom economy and minimization of wastes (one of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry). Catalysts are also expected to play a major role in the transition to a sustainable economy based on the use of renewable energy and raw materials. In Portugal, this important subject was absent from the syllabus of Chemical Engineering before the 1970’s.
In 1975, after obtaining his PhD in the UK (Imperial College, London), the author created a research line in catalysis at FEUP, which was at the origin of the Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LCM), a research group that is currently incorporated into the Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM.
The book Catalysis@FEUP describes the 45-year journey of this research group, highlighting the advanced training and research activities it promoted in the field of catalysis, and their impact and relevance in the national context.
The book can be downloaded (open access) from the link:
https://doi.org/10.24840/978-972-752-268-2