Enrique Garcia Bordejé | Carbon Capture | Best Carbon Capture and Storage Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Best Carbon Capture and Storage Award

Enrique García-Bordejé
Instituto de Carboquímica (ICB-CSIC), Spain

Enrique García-Bordejé
Affiliation Instituto de Carboquímica (ICB-CSIC)
Country Spain
Scopus ID 6603120370
Documents 103
Citations 3,775
h-index 41
Subject Area Carbon Capture
Event Petroleum Engineering Awards
ORCID 0000-0001-8158-1270

Enrique García-Bordejé is a researcher affiliated with the Instituto de Carboquímica (ICB-CSIC) in Spain whose documented research profile is closely associated with carbon capture, carbon dioxide conversion, catalytic materials and processes for transforming captured CO2 into useful products. His recent publication record includes research on direct air capture, dual-functional materials, catalytic conversion of CO2 to methane, reverse water-gas shift chemistry and pathways for upgrading biogas into low-carbon gas fuels.

Abstract

Enrique García-Bordejé’s research profile demonstrates sustained engagement with scientific problems surrounding carbon dioxide capture and catalytic utilization. His recent publications address direct air capture, dual-functional materials capable of combining CO2 capture and conversion, catalytic production of methane, reverse water-gas shift chemistry, and biogas upgrading. In particular, his 2025–2027 publication record includes studies investigating supported ruthenium and nickel catalysts, alkali-promoted materials, graphite-supported catalytic systems and integrated approaches for transforming atmospheric or process-derived CO2 into useful chemical or energy products. [1] [2] [3] The combination of capture and conversion research is particularly relevant to efforts aimed at reducing net carbon emissions while developing technically useful pathways for carbon management.

Keywords

Carbon capture; carbon dioxide capture; direct air capture; carbon utilization; CO2 conversion; methane synthesis; dual-functional materials; heterogeneous catalysis; reverse water-gas shift; catalytic materials; graphite-supported catalysts; ruthenium catalysts; nickel catalysts; biogas upgrading; low-carbon fuels.

Introduction

Carbon capture and storage and related carbon-management technologies encompass a range of approaches intended to reduce the atmospheric release of carbon dioxide from industrial activities and energy systems. Alongside permanent storage, carbon capture and utilization research investigates methods through which captured CO2 can be transformed into fuels, chemicals or other useful products. Recent work in this area increasingly examines integrated systems in which adsorption or capture functionality and catalytic conversion are combined within the same material or process configuration.[4] [5]

Research Profile

The supplied research profile identifies García-Bordejé with the Instituto de Carboquímica (ICB-CSIC), Spain, and associates his subject area with Carbon Capture. The reported bibliometric indicators are 103 documents, 3,775 citations and an h-index of 41, with Scopus Author ID 6603120370. These indicators provide a quantitative description of the indexed research record and, when considered alongside the publication topics, indicate a substantial body of work relevant to catalysis and carbon-management research.2] [3]

Research Contributions

  • Research on direct air capture and CO2 conversion, including integrated approaches for capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and converting it to methane.
  • Investigation of dual-functional materials designed to combine carbon dioxide capture with catalytic conversion within an integrated material system.
  • Development and evaluation of Ru-based catalytic systems supported on alumina and promoted with alkali species for CO2 capture and methane formation. [2]
  • Study of graphite-supported dual-functional materials for CO2 capture from air and subsequent conversion to CH4. [3]
  • Research into Ni/graphite catalysts and promoter effects for CO2 conversion through the reverse water-gas shift reaction. [5]
  • Contribution to research on biogas upgrading and pathways for producing gas fuels with the objective of reducing net carbon emissions. [1]

Publications

Selected recent publications supplied for this recognition profile are listed below. The selection emphasizes publications directly related to carbon capture, CO2 utilization and catalytic conversion.

  1. Upgrading of biogas into gas fuels: pathways towards energy with net zero carbon emissions. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2027.
  2. Bifunctional Na–Ru on gamma-alumina for CO2 capture from air and conversion to CH4: impact of the regeneration method and support on monolithic contactors. Industrial Chemistry & Materials, 2026.
  3. Integrated CO2 capture from air with unprecedently efficient conversion to methane using Ru-alkali/alumina dual functional material by optimizing alkali loading. Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy, 2026.
  4. CO2 capture from air and its conversion to CH4 using dual functional materials supported on high surface area graphite. Journal of CO2 Utilization, 2025.
  5. Effect of Cs and Ba promoters on Ni/graphite catalysts for CO2 conversion via the reverse water gas shift reaction. Catalysis Science & Technology, 2025.

Research Impact

The reported bibliometric profile of 103 documents, 3,775 citations and an h-index of 41 indicates an established indexed publication record. The research topics represented in the supplied publications are also relevant to several important dimensions of carbon management, including direct air capture, catalytic conversion of captured carbon dioxide, methane production and the upgrading of biogas into gas fuels.

A notable feature of the recent work is its focus on integrating capture and conversion rather than treating carbon dioxide removal and utilization as entirely separate operations. Studies of Ru-alkali/alumina and graphite-supported dual-functional materials investigate how material design can facilitate both CO2 capture and subsequent conversion. [3] [4] Such research contributes to the scientific understanding required to evaluate integrated carbon-management technologies.

Award Suitability

Based on the supplied research profile and publication record, Enrique García-Bordejé demonstrates strong thematic alignment with the Best Carbon Capture and Storage Award. His research directly addresses carbon dioxide capture from air, catalytic carbon utilization and materials capable of integrating capture and conversion functions. [2] [3]

Conclusion

Enrique García-Bordejé’s research profile is characterized by sustained work in carbon capture, catalytic conversion and carbon-utilization technologies. His recent publications demonstrate particular interest in direct air capture, dual-functional catalytic materials, methane production from captured CO2, reverse water-gas shift reactions and biogas upgrading. Together with the supplied bibliometric indicators of 103 documents, 3,775 citations and an h-index of 41, these contributions establish clear relevance to the scientific objectives represented by the Best Carbon Capture and Storage Award.

References

  1. Bordejé, V.; Morales, M. V.; Guerrero-Ruiz, A.; Rodríguez-Ramos, I.; García-Bordejé, E. (2027). Upgrading of biogas into gas fuels: pathways towards energy with net zero carbon emissions. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2026.117448
  2. García-Bordejé, E.; Conesa, J. M.; Guerrero-Ruiz, A.; Rodríguez-Ramos, I. (2026). Bifunctional Na–Ru on gamma-alumina for CO2 capture from air and conversion to CH4: impact of the regeneration method and support on monolithic contactors. Industrial Chemistry & Materials.
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D5IM00030K
  3. García-Bordejé, E.; Conesa, J. M.; Guerrero-Ruiz, A.; Rodríguez-Ramos, I. (2026). Integrated CO2 capture from air with unprecedently efficient conversion to methane using Ru-alkali/alumina dual functional material by optimizing alkali loading. Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy.
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2025.126291
  4. García-Bordejé, E. et al. (2025). CO2 capture from air and its conversion to CH4 using dual functional materials supported on high surface area graphite. Journal of CO2 Utilization.
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcou.2025.103054
  5. Moral-Pombo, J.; Conesa-Alonso, J. M.; Campos-Castellanos, E.; García-Bordejé, E.; Guerrero-Ruiz, A.; Rodríguez-Ramos, I. (2025). Effect of Cs and Ba promoters on Ni/graphite catalysts for CO2 conversion via the reverse water gas shift reaction. Catalysis Science & Technology.
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CY01331J

Reza Alayi | Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Assist. Prof. Dr. Reza Alayi | Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage | Best Academic Researcher Award

Head of the Department at Islamic Azad University | Iran

Assist. Prof. Dr. Reza Alayi is a distinguished academic and researcher recognized for his pioneering contributions to energy systems engineering, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable power generation. As an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Mechanics at the Islamic Azad University, Germi Branch, he has established a strong reputation in advancing hybrid renewable systems, thermodynamic optimization, and clean energy integration. His research spans a wide array of interdisciplinary domains including photovoltaic thermal systems, hydrogen production, biomass utilization, microgrids, and waste-to-energy conversion, all directed toward achieving global sustainability and low-carbon development. With a prolific publication record in high-impact international journals such as Sustainability, Clean Energy, Physics of Fluids, and International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, Dr. Alayi has made significant scholarly contributions that bridge theory with industrial application. Beyond authorship, he serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for numerous scientific journals, reflecting his deep engagement in the global scientific community. His analytical work on energy, exergy, and economic performance of renewable systems continues to inform innovative energy transition strategies, particularly for regions pursuing efficient and eco-friendly technologies. Known for his collaborative spirit and forward-thinking approach, Dr. Alayi has co-authored research with international experts, fostering academic networks across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His academic leadership, innovative vision, and commitment to advancing renewable energy research position him as an influential figure driving the evolution of sustainable mechanical and energy engineering worldwide.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Haghmoradkhani, A., Alayi, R., & Assad, M. (2025, July 23). Thermodynamic investigation and optimization of a low-concentrating photovoltaic thermal collector.

Hadi Bonab, S., Hosseinzadeh, H., Alayi, R., Mitrovic, Z., & Hosseini, S. (2025, March 21). Geraghty-L-contraction type Darbo’s fixed point theorems with an applications.

Mohammad, S. I., Vasudevan, A., Al‐hedrewy, M., Abdullah, M., Ballal, S., Singh, A., Singh, S., Rapeti, S. R., & Alayi, R. (2025, January). Hybrid biomass and natural gas combined cycles: Performance and economic analysis.

Zhang, J., Su, Z., Meng, J., Yao, Y., & Alayi, R. (2025, January). Techno‐economic and sensitivity analysis of a hybrid concentrated photovoltaic/thermal system and an organic Rankine cycle to supply energy to sports stadiums.

Alayi, R., & Ebazadeh, Y. (2025, January 24). Modelling and control of a hybrid renewable energy based hydrogen and electricity production and storage systems.

Hadi Belhaj | CCUS & Hydrogen Energy | Excellence in Reservoir Engineering Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Prof. Hadi Belhaj | CCUS & Hydrogen Energy | Excellence in Reservoir Engineering Award

Energy Eng. Professor at Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Hadi A. Belhaj is a globally recognized petroleum engineering scholar and industry consultant with over four decades of combined academic, research, and field experience. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at Khalifa University, UAE, where he leads pioneering research in unconventional reservoir development, enhanced oil recovery, and carbon capture technologies. His professional journey includes extensive contributions to reservoir engineering, geomechanics, and hydrogen energy, making him a distinguished figure in both academia and the oil and gas sector.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Belhaj earned his Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from Dalhousie University, Canada, focusing on matrix/fracture flow modeling in porous media. He holds an M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia, where he investigated geopressure detection and evaluation. His foundational B.Sc. was obtained from the University of Tripoli (formerly El-Fateh University) in Libya, with a final-year project on decline-curve analysis. These degrees collectively laid the foundation for his expertise in reservoir dynamics and simulation.

Experience

Dr. Belhaj’s career spans positions in academia, consulting, and the petroleum industry. His hands-on fieldwork began with Dowell Schlumberger, followed by progressive roles at Libya’s National Oil Corporation, where he contributed to pioneering EOR studies and reservoir management strategies. His academic appointments at Texas Tech University and Khalifa University have allowed him to supervise high-impact research, lead curriculum development, and serve on multiple technical and editorial boards. Additionally, he has served as principal investigator on several multimillion-dollar funded projects tackling challenges like asphaltene deposition, slim-tube modeling, and capillary transition zones.

Research Interest

His research interests include reservoir characterization, unconventional reservoir development, carbon capture and storage (CCUS), hydrogen energy storage, porous media flow, EOR mechanisms, and geomechanics. He actively integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance petroleum engineering decision-making. His recent work also explores caprock integrity and creep deformation for hydrogen underground storage, reflecting his focus on sustainable energy transitions.

Award

Dr. Belhaj has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the 2021 SPE International Distinguished Service Award, the 2020 and 2013 SPE Distinguished Achievement for Petroleum Engineering Faculty Awards, and the 2019 SPE Regional Reservoir Description and Dynamics Award. He has also received innovation recognitions such as the 2012 ADMA Innovation Award and various graduate scholarships during his academic tenure, underscoring both academic excellence and industry impact.

Publication

Among Dr. Belhaj’s notable publications are:

“Geoengineering of Hydrogen Energy” (Elsevier, in press, 2025) – cited in emerging CCUS reviews.
“Hydrogen underground storage potential in sandstone formation” (Fuel, 2025) – cited in U.S. DOE hydrogen repositories.
“Abiotic evaluation of geochemical reactions of sandstone minerals” (International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2025) – referenced in recent EU energy storage guidelines.
“Emerging advances in CO₂ storativity and trappability within shale reservoirs” (Energy Science and Engineering Journal, 2024).
“Workflow of the In Situ Combustion EOR Method in Venezuela” (ACS Omega, 2023).
“Standardization of Particle Size for Wettability Measurement” (ACS Omega, 2023).
“Hybrid Carbonated Engineered Water for Oil-Wet Carbonates” (Energies, 2022) – cited in SPE’s water-based EOR studies.

Conclusion

Dr. Hadi Belhaj exemplifies leadership, innovation, and service in petroleum engineering. His blend of industry acumen, academic rigor, and commitment to sustainable energy solutions makes him an outstanding nominee for this prestigious award. From mentoring future engineers to shaping global EOR practices, his legacy continues to drive transformative advancements in energy resource management.