Pedro is a world-renowned expert in catalyst development and technological innovation. His career is marked by significant contributions to academia, industry, and the advancement of green technologies.
Academic Background and Technology Career: Pedro received his Ph.D. in Heterogeneous Catalysis from the Université de Poitiers, France. His early career included a professorship in chemical engineering at the Universidad de Los Andes in Venezuela. He later took a pivotal role at PDVSA-Intevep, Venezuela's national oil company, where he co-invented and developed two major heavy oil upgrading technologies: Aquaconversion and HDHplus.
Impressive Career Highlights: Pedro's career spans over three decades, with over 200 published scientific papers and more than 20 granted patents. His work in catalysis has led to groundbreaking advancements in the field. He has held prestigious positions such as the NSERC Industrial Chair in Catalysis for Bitumen Upgrading at the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering. This role allowed him to drive forward innovative research and develop new catalytic processes for heavy oil upgrading.
Leadership and Entrepreneurship: He is the co-founder of several successful startups that are at the forefront of technological innovation:
- NanosTech: Focuses on nano-catalyst technologies for hydrogen production, renewables, and heavy oil technologies.
- Litus: Specializes in advanced lithium extraction technologies.
- Carbonova: Innovates in converting CO2 and natural gas into carbon nanofibers, contributing to carbon capture and utilization efforts.
Publications and Peer Reviews: Pedro's extensive publication record includes numerous peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals such as Science. He has also been involved in numerous peer research reviews, validating the work of fellow scientists and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in his field.
Board Memberships and Keynote Speaker: Pedro serves on several directorship boards, providing strategic guidance and expertise to various organizations. His insights are highly valued in the industry. As a keynote speaker, he has presented at global events, sharing his knowledge and advancements in catalytic technologies. Notable events include:The AIChE Annual MeetingThe IASTED International Conference on Unconventional Oils and the EnvironmentVarious international conferences and workshops focused on green chemistry and sustainable energy solutions
Continued Impact: Pedro’s work continues to drive forward-thinking solutions and set new standards in the field of catalysis and energy transition. His ability to translate research into practical, commercially viable applications underscores his commitment to advancing technological innovations and providing impactful solutions to global challenges. Pedro Pereira-Almao's distinguished career and ongoing contributions make him a leading authority in catalyst development and a key figure in the global effort towards sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
Pedro serves on several directorship boards, providing strategic guidance and expertise to various organizations. His insights are highly valued in the industry.
As a keynote speaker, he has presented at global events, sharing his knowledge and advancements in catalytic technologies.
The AIChE Annual Meeting
The IASTED International Conference on Unconventional Oils and the Environment
Various international conferences and workshops focused on green chemistry and sustainable energy solutions
He is the co-founder of several successful startups that are at the forefront of technological innovation:
Innovates in converting CO2 and natural gas into carbon nanofibers, contributing to carbon capture and utilization efforts.
Focuses on nano-catalyst technologies for hydrogen production, renewables, and heavy oil technologies.
Specializes in advanced lithium extraction technologies.
Co-founder and technical leader at ISUT (Enhanced Oil Recovery and upgrading), NanosTech (specializing in hydrogen, renewables, and heavy oils technologies), Litus (focused on lithium extraction), and Carbonova (developing carbon nanofibers from CO2 and natural gas)
Expert in catalysts and adsorbents design and manufacturing, catalytic and adsorptive processes development, chemical and thermal processes, simulations, and surface science, including characterization of solids, liquids, and gas streams.
Notably, he has co-authored a groundbreaking article in Science magazine, further highlighting his contributions to the field of catalysis and advanced materials.
Co-invented processes for methane conversion, lithium extraction from brines, CO2 conversion and carbon nanofiber production, and both full and partial upgrading of heavy oils.
His work has led to the creation of several spin-off companies from academia.