Anh To

Anh To serves as Researcher IV in Chemical Engineering at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), specializing in the Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-Up Center under Bioenergy Research. Their work bridges advanced catalyst development with industrial-scale renewable fuel production.

Education includes a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering (Technology of Petroleum Processing) from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. Prior experience features a Postdoctoral Scholar role at UC Berkeley's Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (2014–2016) and Project Engineer position at Vietnam Petroleum Institute (2007–2009).

Research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis for biofuel production, with emphasis on converting gasified biomass and pyrolysis vapors into renewable fuels and value-added chemicals. Key methodologies include catalytic depolymerization, bench-scale reactor design (high-pressure batch/continuous flow), and catalyst synthesis (zeolites, supported metals, mesoporous carbons). Technical expertise spans Aspen Hysys, Scimsci Pro/II, AutoCAD, and Labview for process optimization.

Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal concentrated research on CO2 capture and conversion, particularly through dual-functional materials enabling reactive carbon capture and methanol synthesis. Trends indicate growing focus on metallic phase-free catalysts and precise active site engineering for dilute CO2 streams.

• Graduate Student Senate Travel Grant (2010)
• Kokes Award (2013)
• Sooner Heritage Scholarship (2011)

Active in the ConocoPhillips network (2011-2014) as a Fellow, with current research supported through NREL's bioenergy initiatives. No formal student advising roles documented, though collaborative projects involve multiple co-investigators like Ruddy, McNeary, and Hill.

Leads experimental work within NREL's Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-Up Center, operating high-pressure reactor systems for catalyst testing and process validation. Current team efforts prioritize scaling lab-developed catalysts to pilot-scale operations for biomass-to-fuel conversion.