New doctoral thesis at the University of Namur

On 15 January 2026, a new researcher, Clotilde Hiernaux, began her doctoral thesis at UNamur as part of the CleanAirBouw project. The whole team welcomes her.

Funding : 60% Interreg, 30% RW, 10% UNamur

Her research will focus on developing a new architectured catalyst based on Mn₂O₃, CeO₂ and Na₂WO₄ for the oxidative coupling of methane.

Thesis supervisor: Bao-Lian Su, Thesis co-supervisor: Guillaume Berionni

To learn more about the project

This project aims to develop an innovative composite heterogeneous catalyst for the direct conversion of methane. Methane, the main component of natural gas but also a VOC, is both a major energy resource and a significant contributor to global warming, particularly when it is burned or released without being recovered.

The proposed catalyst is based on an advanced nanostructured architecture combining manganese oxide nanofibers, cerium oxide nanoparticles, and sodium tungstate. This architecture enables fine control over methane and oxygen activation, thereby limiting the formation of pollutants such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, while enhancing the overall process efficiency.

The project relies on an integrated strategy, from catalyst synthesis to its characterization and evaluation under reaction conditions, in order to demonstrate its potential for a cleaner and more sustainable valorization of methane.