Our CIGRU team of interdisciplinary faculty members at West Virginia University is engaged in cutting-edge research in multiple research areas related to natural gas. The team conducts research in natural gas conversion, CO2 conversion, ammonia synthesis, biomass conversion, and plastic waste upcycling, utilizing heterogeneous catalysis, microwave catalysis, reaction engineering, and surface chemistry. The research is specifically focused on reaction kinetics under the microwave, the design of well-controlled nanoparticle materials, and spectroscopic characterization, which are fundamental approaches to heterogeneous catalysis applied to CO2 and natural gas conversion reactions to facilitate sustainable chemical production.
Moreover, the team is also investigating fundamental and applied combustion processes for propulsion and power generation, with an interest in combustion systems that use natural gas, dual fuels, and various blends of natural gas with biomass, coal derivatives, and other alternative fuels. The CIGRU team is exploring complex reacting flows at extreme conditions, non-equilibrium plasma, propulsion, jet flame, thermal and non-thermal ignition, high-pressure spray, chemical kinetics, and advanced laser-based diagnostics.
Furthermore, the team is conducting research on regulatory impact and legal issues relevant to shale gas and clean energy, with a focus on the policy, law, and economic aspects of decarbonization. Additionally, the team is focused on the development and application of high-temperature electrochemical devices for natural gas to energy conversion and H2 generation, membrane reactors, high-temperature CO/CH4 gas sensors, thermochemical heat storage, and thermochemical hydrogen production.
Overall, the CIGRU team is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge in these critical areas and applying their findings to develop new technologies that will enable a more secure and sustainable energy future.