Sels-group
Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (CSCE)
Heverlee, Flanders, Belgium
About
Founded in 2000, Sels-group is a ngo headquartered in Heverlee, Belgium with approximately 50-200 employees specializing in Biomass, Biogas.
The Sels-group, formally the Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (CSCE) at KU Leuven's Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, conducts fundamental and applied research in heterogeneous catalysis. Led by Prof. Bert F. Sels, the group develops catalytic solutions for converting lignocellulosic biomass into platform chemicals, bio-based polymers, and advanced liquid biofuels. Core research areas include reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of biomass, plastic waste valorization and chemical recycling, synthesis of renewable bisphenols and safer bio-based alternatives, catalytic conversion of lignin to chemicals and materials, and sustainable fuel production. The group operates a pilot-scale RCF facility at TRANSfarm and collaborates extensively with industrial partners and academic institutions. Research encompasses zeolite design, metal oxide catalysts, spectroscopic characterization, kinetic modeling, and techno-economic analysis to bridge fundamental science and commercial applications.
Headquarters
Heverlee, Belgium
Founded
2000
Employees
50-200
Company Type
NGO
Business Models
Value Chain
Industry Memberships
Catalisti (Flemish chemistry and plastics cluster), Leuven Institute for Material Research, Catalysis Commission of International Zeolite Association, European Research Institute of Catalysis, European Academy of Sciences and Arts
Projects
Reductive Catalytic Fractionation (RCF) Biorefinery
Bio-based Naphtha Production
Renewable and Safer Bisphenol A Substitutes
Plastic Waste Chemical Recycling
Lignocellulose Biorefinery Platform
Certifications & Awards
Certifications
ISO 9001
Awards
DSM Chemistry Award
Incentive Award
Green Chemistry Award
Highly Cited Researchers