Call: +34 876 555 485
Email: srenda@unizar.es
Address: Office 3.1.11 c/Mariano Esquillor SN Edificio I+D+i, I3A, 50018, Zaragoza (Spain)
Sideral: See the profile (CV)
ABOUT ME
Simona Renda is a post-doctoral researcher specialized in heterogeneous catalysis and chemical engineering. Since June 2023, she is a member of the Catalysis, Molecular Separation and Reactor Engineering Group (CREG) at the University of Zaragoza (Spain), where her activity is focused on membrane distillation processes and mathematical modelling of fluidized bed reactors for dimethyl ether synthesis.
She achieved her PhD degree in Industrial Engineering (curriculum Chemical Engineering) on February 23rd 2023, at the University of Salerno (Italy), where she was working since early 2019. Her PhD project was developed in collaboration with and funded by the company KT-Kinetics Technology (Roma, Italy) of the Marie Tecnimont group, an international EPC contractor. In the years at the University of Salerno, her activity was mainly dedicated to the process intensification of CO2 hydrogenation and COS hydrolysis. The latter was the theme of her PhD thesis, entitled “Structured catalysts for COS hydrolysis process intensification” (ISBN: 88-7897-140-5, under 1-year embargo period for confidentiality reasons).
Simona Renda is author of 23 indexed publications and has an h-index of 9, according to Scopus® (@September 2023).
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5926-5252
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57212381756
PUBLICATIONS
2025
Renda, Simona; Soler, Jaime; Herguido, Javier; Menéndez, Miguel
En: Biomass and Bioenergy, vol. 197, pp. 107764, 2025, ISSN: 0961-9534.
@article{RENDA2025107764,
title = {Effect of particles size and density on the segregation of catalyst-sorbent mixtures for direct sorption-enhanced DME synthesis: Experimental and mathematical study},
author = {Simona Renda and Jaime Soler and Javier Herguido and Miguel Menéndez},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0961953425001758},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2025.107764},
issn = {0961-9534},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
journal = {Biomass and Bioenergy},
volume = {197},
pages = {107764},
abstract = {Direct sorption-enhanced dimethyl ether synthesis (SEDMES) is a promising process for the production of fuels from CO2 sources. Using novel technologies, the process can be run exploiting the phenomena of particles segregation in a fluidized bed reactor. However, the knowledge on the solid movement and the segregation patterns is a mandatory preliminary step for the setup of the final application. In this study, we evaluated the impact of particles size and density on the segregation patterns, and we used the Gibilaro and Rowe (GR) model to analytically represent the experimental results. It was observed that the variation of both parameters influences segregation, even though a higher separation degree in a wider operating velocity range was observed when a higher density ratio was induced between the two solids. Through the experimental analysis, five possible bed configurations were identified, and a consideration was made on the aims of the GR model to adjust the mathematical representation to the present case. By considering the bottom portion of the bed as a jetsam-rich phase and not – as previously reported – as a segregated layer, a mass balance on the catalyst allowed to obtain a faithful analytical representation of the experimental segregation patterns.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Direct sorption-enhanced dimethyl ether synthesis (SEDMES) is a promising process for the production of fuels from CO2 sources. Using novel technologies, the process can be run exploiting the phenomena of particles segregation in a fluidized bed reactor. However, the knowledge on the solid movement and the segregation patterns is a mandatory preliminary step for the setup of the final application. In this study, we evaluated the impact of particles size and density on the segregation patterns, and we used the Gibilaro and Rowe (GR) model to analytically represent the experimental results. It was observed that the variation of both parameters influences segregation, even though a higher separation degree in a wider operating velocity range was observed when a higher density ratio was induced between the two solids. Through the experimental analysis, five possible bed configurations were identified, and a consideration was made on the aims of the GR model to adjust the mathematical representation to the present case. By considering the bottom portion of the bed as a jetsam-rich phase and not – as previously reported – as a segregated layer, a mass balance on the catalyst allowed to obtain a faithful analytical representation of the experimental segregation patterns.
2024
Renda, Simona; Martino, Marco; Palma, Vincenzo
CO2 methanation over open cell foams prepared via chemical conversion coating Journal Article
En: Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 434, pp. 140221, 2024, ISSN: 0959-6526.
@article{RENDA2024140221,
title = {CO2 methanation over open cell foams prepared via chemical conversion coating},
author = {Simona Renda and Marco Martino and Vincenzo Palma},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652623043792},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.140221},
issn = {0959-6526},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Cleaner Production},
volume = {434},
pages = {140221},
abstract = {In the framework of the CO2 utilization, and of the integration of renewable energy sources into the power generation scenario, the methanation reaction plays a key role, being the core of the power-to-gas, or power-to-X, processes. Structured catalysts are widely recognized for being particularly promising in exothermic processes, as they ensure a better thermal management of the heat generated within the system. In recent years, the application of metallic structures has spread. Nevertheless, the functionalization of these structures via washcoating procedure has several disadvantages. Herein, it is highlighted the potential of ceria chemical-conversion coating (CCC) as technique for the preparation of methanation catalysts, and optimize the Ni deposition procedure on such structures. In this work, the suitability of the obtained catalysts for CO2 methanation was evaluated in several operating conditions, obtaining CO2 conversion as high as 70 % below 400 °C with the most promising sample. In a first analysis, it was demonstrated that the catalysts prepared through the CCC technique can be applied in the CO2 methanation systems. In addition, through a kinetic analysis it was highlighted that the preparation method could be a key parameter for the selectivity of the process, driving the system towards a direct CO2 methanation or to the CO-path mechanism, therefore further studies should be performed to better explore this aspect.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In the framework of the CO2 utilization, and of the integration of renewable energy sources into the power generation scenario, the methanation reaction plays a key role, being the core of the power-to-gas, or power-to-X, processes. Structured catalysts are widely recognized for being particularly promising in exothermic processes, as they ensure a better thermal management of the heat generated within the system. In recent years, the application of metallic structures has spread. Nevertheless, the functionalization of these structures via washcoating procedure has several disadvantages. Herein, it is highlighted the potential of ceria chemical-conversion coating (CCC) as technique for the preparation of methanation catalysts, and optimize the Ni deposition procedure on such structures. In this work, the suitability of the obtained catalysts for CO2 methanation was evaluated in several operating conditions, obtaining CO2 conversion as high as 70 % below 400 °C with the most promising sample. In a first analysis, it was demonstrated that the catalysts prepared through the CCC technique can be applied in the CO2 methanation systems. In addition, through a kinetic analysis it was highlighted that the preparation method could be a key parameter for the selectivity of the process, driving the system towards a direct CO2 methanation or to the CO-path mechanism, therefore further studies should be performed to better explore this aspect.
Ugarte, Patricia; Renda, Simona; Cano, Miguel; Pérez, Jorge; Peña, José Ángel; Menéndez, Miguel
Air-Gap Membrane Distillation of Industrial Brine: Effect of Brine Concentration and Temperature Journal Article
En: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, vol. 63, no. 3, pp. 1546-1553, 2024.
@article{doi:10.1021/acs.iecr.3c03415,
title = {Air-Gap Membrane Distillation of Industrial Brine: Effect of Brine Concentration and Temperature},
author = {Patricia Ugarte and Simona Renda and Miguel Cano and Jorge Pérez and José Ángel Peña and Miguel Menéndez},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.3c03415},
doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.3c03415},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research},
volume = {63},
number = {3},
pages = {1546-1553},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Renda, Simona; Lasobras, Javier; Soler, Jaime; Herguido, Javier; Menéndez, Miguel
Dependence of the Fluidizing Condition on Operating Parameters for Sorption-Enhanced Methanol Synthesis Catalyst and Adsorbent Journal Article
En: Catalysts, vol. 14, no. 7, 2024, ISSN: 2073-4344.
@article{catal14070432,
title = {Dependence of the Fluidizing Condition on Operating Parameters for Sorption-Enhanced Methanol Synthesis Catalyst and Adsorbent},
author = {Simona Renda and Javier Lasobras and Jaime Soler and Javier Herguido and Miguel Menéndez},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/14/7/432},
doi = {10.3390/catal14070432},
issn = {2073-4344},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Catalysts},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
abstract = {The fluidization of two different solids was investigated by varying the temperature and pressure conditions and the fluidizing gas. The solids are a novel catalyst and a water sorbent that could be used to perform sorption-enhanced methanol synthesis; the operating conditions were selected accordingly to this process. The aim of this investigation was to find an expression for predicting the minimum fluidization conditions of a methanol synthesis catalyst and an adsorbent in the presence of their process stream and operating conditions. The findings of this study highlighted how umf (STP) decreases with a rise in temperature and increases with a rise in pressure, according to other works in the literature with different solids. Furthermore, the type of gas was found to influence the minimum fluidization velocity significantly. The experimental results agreed well with a theoretical expression of the minimum fluidization velocity adjusted for temperature, pressure, and viscosity. The choice of the expression for viscosity calculation in the case of gas mixtures was found to be of key importance. These results will be useful for researchers aiming to calculate the minimum fluidization velocity of a catalyst or other solids under reaction conditions using results obtained at ambient conditions with air or inert gas.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The fluidization of two different solids was investigated by varying the temperature and pressure conditions and the fluidizing gas. The solids are a novel catalyst and a water sorbent that could be used to perform sorption-enhanced methanol synthesis; the operating conditions were selected accordingly to this process. The aim of this investigation was to find an expression for predicting the minimum fluidization conditions of a methanol synthesis catalyst and an adsorbent in the presence of their process stream and operating conditions. The findings of this study highlighted how umf (STP) decreases with a rise in temperature and increases with a rise in pressure, according to other works in the literature with different solids. Furthermore, the type of gas was found to influence the minimum fluidization velocity significantly. The experimental results agreed well with a theoretical expression of the minimum fluidization velocity adjusted for temperature, pressure, and viscosity. The choice of the expression for viscosity calculation in the case of gas mixtures was found to be of key importance. These results will be useful for researchers aiming to calculate the minimum fluidization velocity of a catalyst or other solids under reaction conditions using results obtained at ambient conditions with air or inert gas.
2023
Liso, B. A. De; Palma, V.; Pio, G.; Renda, S.; Salzano, E.
Extremely Low Temperatures for the Synthesis of Ethylene Oxide Journal Article
En: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, vol. 62, iss. 18, 2023, ISSN: 15205045.
@article{nokey,
title = {Extremely Low Temperatures for the Synthesis of Ethylene Oxide},
author = {B. A. De Liso and V. Palma and G. Pio and S. Renda and E. Salzano},
doi = {10.1021/acs.iecr.3c00402},
issn = {15205045},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research},
volume = {62},
issue = {18},
abstract = {The partial oxidation of ethylene in a methane atmosphere by pure oxygen is the most important industrial process for the synthesis of ethylene oxide. However, due to the high reactivity and exothermicity of the reaction system, the overall production is limited by kinetic and safety issues. The shift toward mild operative conditions can support the management of undesirable side reactions, enhancing the performance of the whole process. In the future, the direct use of liquefied ethylene and oxygen-enriched air, a low-cost waste in membrane-based nitrogen production, can provide convenient sources for heat removal as well as promote the use of innovative and more sustainable solutions. This work is focused on the experimental and numerical characterization of the oxidation of ethylene/methane/nitrogen/oxygen mixtures at different operative conditions, including extremely low temperatures, and oxidant compositions. To this aim, the laminar burning velocity and flammability limits were first measured utilizing the heat flux burner and compared with detailed kinetic mechanisms and experiments retrieved from the current literature. The reported data were adopted to identify the operational limits for innovative processes, paving the way to unlocking the potential of innovative chemistry at extreme conditions. Eventually, key performance indicators accounting for kinetic and safety aspects were defined to identify the most sustainable and convenient operative conditions.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The partial oxidation of ethylene in a methane atmosphere by pure oxygen is the most important industrial process for the synthesis of ethylene oxide. However, due to the high reactivity and exothermicity of the reaction system, the overall production is limited by kinetic and safety issues. The shift toward mild operative conditions can support the management of undesirable side reactions, enhancing the performance of the whole process. In the future, the direct use of liquefied ethylene and oxygen-enriched air, a low-cost waste in membrane-based nitrogen production, can provide convenient sources for heat removal as well as promote the use of innovative and more sustainable solutions. This work is focused on the experimental and numerical characterization of the oxidation of ethylene/methane/nitrogen/oxygen mixtures at different operative conditions, including extremely low temperatures, and oxidant compositions. To this aim, the laminar burning velocity and flammability limits were first measured utilizing the heat flux burner and compared with detailed kinetic mechanisms and experiments retrieved from the current literature. The reported data were adopted to identify the operational limits for innovative processes, paving the way to unlocking the potential of innovative chemistry at extreme conditions. Eventually, key performance indicators accounting for kinetic and safety aspects were defined to identify the most sustainable and convenient operative conditions.