The unifying theme of research in our group is the elucidation of kinetics and mechanisms of chemical transformations in hot compressed water, or high-temperature water (HTW). Water at high temperatures and pressures displays interesting properties - such as an increased ion product, and a decreased dielectric constant, density, and viscosity -- which can favorably influence particular chemical transformations.

The applications for our research range a number of fields. We are actively investigating biomass gasification, two-step non-catalytic biodiesel production, and organic synthesis in hot aqueous media.

Top row: Professor Phil Savage, Bobby Levine, Dongil Kang, Fernando Resende, and Chad Huelsman

Bottom Row: Tanawan Pinnarat, Natalie Rebacz, Christine Krizmanich, Jie Fu, Peigao Duan