Congratulations 🎉 to Sorasak Klinyod, a Ph.D. student from the School of Energy Science and Engineering (ESE) under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chularat Wattanakit, for the recent article in ChemCatChem journal.

📘 Topic: Tailoring the first coordination shell of isolated Ti(IV) active sites in zeolite frameworks boosting catalytic activity in epoxidation

🔬This work focuses on tuning the Lewis acid properties of isolated Ti(IV) sites incorporated in the MFI zeolite structure by modifying the first coordination shell of the Ti(IV) lattice using the one-pot hydrothermal method with NH4F precursor, which can create the highly efficient Ti(IV) active species of open Ti(OSi)3OH and open Ti(OSi)3F sites isomorphically substituted in the zeolite framework, eventually boosting catalytic activity in methyl oleate epoxidation.

We also acknowledge the valuable contribution from Krissanapat Yomthong, a fellow Ph.D. student in ESE, and collaborator contributions from Synchrotron Light Research Institute (SLRI) and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (Prof. Dr. Tawan Sooknoi).

Access full paper here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cctc.202401862

On February 4, 2025, the Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC) had the honor of hosting distinguished guests from Osaka University for the Joint Thailand-Japan Workshop on Sustainable Catalyst Advancing and Resource Circulation at K-Building, VISTEC. Led by Assoc. Prof. Chularat Wattanakit from the School of Energy Science and Engineering (ESE) in collaboration with Prof. Hidehiro Sakurai of Osaka University, the workshop served as a pivotal platform for academic and research exchange, bringing together leading experts from Thailand and Japan to discuss advancements in sustainable catalysis and resource circulation.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of the VISTEC-Osaka University Double-Degree Ph.D. Program, marking a significant milestone in academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. The event opened with remarks from Prof. Dr. Pimchai Chaiyen, President of VISTEC, and Prof. Hidehiro Sakurai of Osaka University, who welcomed distinguished guests from Japan, VISTEC members, and esteemed researchers from Thailand’s academic network.

This workshop was made possible through the generous support of the Global League (PMU-B) under the project “Development of Manpower in International Communities for Catalysis/Electrocatalysis for Zero Carbon Dioxide Emission” along with our esteemed institutional partners. The event marks a significant step in strengthening international collaboration, reinforcing academic and research networks between Thailand and Japan to drive advancements in sustainable catalysis.

The workshop brought together leading researchers from eight universities and one research institute, including:

-            VISTEC: Prof. Makoto Ogawa, Assoc. Prof. Khamphee Phomphrai, Asst. Prof. Sareeya Bureekaew, Dr. Watcharaphol Paritmongkol, and Dr. Anawat Thivasasith.

-            Ubon Ratchathani University: Prof. Siriporn Jungsuttiwong and Assoc. Prof. Purim Jarujamrus.

-            Mahidol University: Assoc. Prof. Jonggol Tantirungrotechai and Assoc. Prof. Ekasith Somsook.

-            Kasetsart University: Asst. Prof. Thana Maihom and Dr. Thidarat Imyen.

-            Thammasat University: Dr. Sopon Butcha.

-            Osaka University: Prof. Shinya Furukawa, Prof. Shigeyuki Masaoka, Prof. Yu-I Hsu, Prof. Hiroshi Uyama, and Prof. Hidehiro Sakurai.

-            NANOTEC: Dr. Supawadee Namuangruk.

On behalf of the organizing team, we sincerely thank all participants, speakers, and partners for their invaluable contributions in making the Joint Thailand-Japan Workshop on Sustainable Catalyst Advancing and Resource Circulation a great success. In addition, we would like to special thanks to Dr. Thanit Pewnim, Mrs. Ratthanan Butrsikhao, Mr. Attanon Kingkaew, especially Mr. Nopporn Uearattanapong for support this event and the DDP contract.