Novacam Researcher Profile: Kaituo Liu

Name: Kaituo Liu
Working on NOVACAM project: Chemocatalytic glycolysis

Project leader: Emiel Hensen
WP: 1&2

Short CV  

From 2006 to 2009, I was studying in University of Science and Technology of Liaoning (China). After obtaining my bachelor diploma in  Metallurgical Engineering in 2009, I began to study in  Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where I was involved in an international cooperation project with Shell—“Catalytic Pyrolysis of Lignin and its Derivate into Aromatics over Hierarchical Zeolites”. I synthesized novel mesoporous zeolites for biomass pyrolysis and explored the mechanism of biomass conversion into aromatics. I received my master degree in Chemical Engineering in 2012. Since then, I have been working as a PhD student in Eindhoven University of Technology.

Describe the project shortly in your own words?

In this project, the main aim is to explore novel catalyst materials for the dehydrogenation or decarboxylation of lactic acid. The dehydrogenation of lactic acid or methyl lactate could produce pyruvic acid or methyl pyruvate. Gold doped hydrotalcite catalysts have been proved to be efficient catalyst for dehydrogenation. The decarboxylation of lactic acid could be realized by UV radiation with catalysts or without catalysts.

What is the biggest challenge for you, or what fascinates you the most in this research project? 

The biggest challenge is to analyze both the gas and liquid products in an quite accurate way and explore the reaction mechanism. The thing fascinates me most is to solve the problems that few people could solve.

What is your future career ambition?
To be an excellent researcher and find a challenging and fulfilling job, which allows me to enjoy both life and working.

How do you like to spend your time when not working on your research? 
I like reading essays and poems. Sometimes, I also like taking exercises, such as zumba and volleyball.