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Chemeca: Concurrent Session 2B - Energy and Catalysis 2

Tracks
Track 2
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Victory Room B

Speaker

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Thomas Kohl
Team Leader - Continuous Flow Catalysis
CSIRO

Keynote presentation: Chemical Catalysis in Flow Using Non-Thermal Activation Methods

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Thomas M. Kohl is a Senior Experimental Scientist and is Team Leader for the Continuous Flow Catalysis team at the CSIRO in Melbourne, Australia, which he joined in 2012. He obtained a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Tasmania. Thomas has over 14 years of experience working in the flow chemistry area and has expertise in developing chemical processes from concept through to production. His current research interests include CO2 upgrading, 3D printed reactor components, photocatalysis, plasma catalysis, automated process optimisation and distributed manufacturing.
Miss Diyasha Sengupta
Phd Student
Monash University

Support-engineered Fe-based catalysts for selective transformation of 1,8-cineole into value-added chemicals

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Abstract

Diyasha Sengupta is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Monash University, Australia. She holds a background in Chemical Engineering and her research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for the sustainable upgrading of biomass-derived terpene feedstocks. Her work explores catalyst design, support engineering and reaction optimisation for the selective transformation of 1,8-cineole into value-added chemicals such as limonene and other monoterpenes. Her recent research published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A was recognised as a 2026 Hot Paper, highlighting its impact on developing sustainable catalytic strategies for renewable chemical production.
Naim Abdullah
Curtin University

Kinetic and experimental validation of optimised feed ratio bi-reforming process over a Ni/MgAl₂O₄ catalyst

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Abstract

K M Naim Abdullah is a PhD candidate at the WA School of Mines, Curtin University. His research focuses on kinetic modelling of heterogeneous catalysis for complex chemical reactions, as well as life cycle assessment and techno-economic assessment of chemical processes. At Chemeca 2026, Naim will present his work, "Kinetic and Experimental Validation of Optimised Feed Ratio Bi-Reforming Process over a Ni/MgAl₂O₄ Catalyst," in the Energy and Catalysis session. His broader research interests include CO₂ utilisation, reactor scale-up, and sustainable energy conversion technologies.
Mr Bao Doan
PhD Candidate
The University of Melbourne

Effective Dimethyl Ether Production from Methanol Dehydration in Polymeric Catalytic Membrane Reactors.

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Abstract

Bao Doan is a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at the University of Melbourne. His research focuses on the development of polymeric membranes for gas and vapour separation, as well as their integration into membrane reactor systems. His work aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by enabling the conversion of CO₂ into low-emission future fuels, with particular emphasis on catalytic membrane reactors for CO₂ conversion to dimethyl ether (DME).
Dr. Arash Momeni
Research Fellow
University of Melbourne

Energy-Efficient Catalytic Membrane Vacuum Regeneration for Solvent-Based Direct Air Capture

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM

Abstract

Arash Momeni is a current Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Department of Chemical Engineering, specializing in direct air capture (DAC) technology for carbon dioxide removal. He completed his PhD at the University of Melbourne, focusing on the development of energy-efficient solvent-based DAC systems using hollow fibre membrane modules, and catalytic solvent regeneration. His research aims to advance sustainable carbon capture processes compatible with renewable energy sources.

Session Chair

Ehsan Arzaghi
Senior Lecturer
Queensland University of Technology

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