Approximately 200 researchers presented their ideas to the public and were judged by experts
from the industry. Surisetty received an honorarium for his win, which he will use towards his
research. Other students and postdoctoral fellows in attendance include G. Paterson, M. Reza
Malek, P. Boahene, P. Biswas, P. Narayanasarma, K. Chandra Mouli, along with Professor Ajay
Dalai.

Surisetty’s research focuses on the catalytic conversion of synthesis gas to produce higher
alcohols synthesis. Saskatchewan has considerable amounts of wood wastes and surplus straw
(biomass) that are not being effectively utilized. Gasification is the thermal processes for the
conversion of biomass to energy, which yields a product known as synthesis gas. Synthesis gas
is an important feed stock of many chemicals. Surisetty’s research examines the catalytic
conversion of synthesis gas derived from waste biomass to higher alcohols. This higher alcohol
mixture can replace tetraethyl lead and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) as an octane booster
in gasoline. This is a complex reaction that results many undesirable products such as,
hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and methanol. Until now there has been no catalyst available for
improving the activity and selectivity of the higher alcohols synthesis to commercial levels.
Surisetty’s research group came up with a novel catalyst, akali promoted trimetallic Catalyst
supported on Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes that is used in this process.

Surisetty’s work is supervised by Dr. Ajay Dalai, Canada Research Chair and Associate Dean of
Research and Partnerships, and Dr. Janusz Kozinski, Dean of Engineering. Their research is
supported by the Agriculture and Biomass Innovation Network and Natural Sciences and
Engineering Council of Canada. Surisetty and his supervisors are in the process of applying for
a patent for the catalyst.
The Canadian Symposium on Catalysis is held annually in cities across Canada and attended
by researchers, industry representatives, and academics throughout the world.