Arjan W. Kleij

Arjan W. Kleij is a Professor and Group Leader at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), which operates under the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA). His research is centered on sustainable catalysis, particularly the valorization of CO₂ and biomass for the synthesis of biopolymers and fine chemicals. He leads a dynamic research team and is deeply involved in training the next generation of scientists.

Research Interests: Prof. Kleij's work focuses on developing innovative catalytic methodologies for green and sustainable chemistry. His group pioneers the transformation of CO₂ into valuable heterocycles and polymers, the synthesis of biobased polycarbonates and polyesters, and stereoselective synthesis using functional heterocycles. The overarching goal is to replace petroleum-based feedstocks with renewable alternatives and design circular chemical processes. His research integrates catalyst engineering, mechanistic studies, and sustainable synthesis to address global environmental challenges.

Publications and Impact: His recent articles reveal a strong trend towards CO₂ utilization, polymer chemistry, and heterocycle synthesis. Key themes include catalytic CO₂ conversion into seven- and eight-membered rings, depolymerization and recycling of biobased polycarbonates, and the creation of complex molecular architectures from sustainable feedstocks. This body of work positions him at the forefront of green chemistry and sustainable materials science.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• European Sustainable Chemistry Award (ESCA), 2023
• Catalan Chemical Society Scientific Excellence Award, 2023
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), 2021
• Spanish Chemical Society Excellence Award, 2020
• Visiting Professor, University of Tokyo, 2022
• Visiting Professor, University of Salerno, 2024
• ICREA Junior Fellow, 2006
• NWO TALENT Fellow, 2000

Advising and Grants: Prof. Kleij actively mentors a large team of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment. He has secured significant competitive funding, including from the European Research Council and the Spanish State Research Agency. He is the scientific coordinator of the HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN-JD “D-Carbonize” doctoral network, highlighting his leadership in training researchers in CO₂ valorization.

Labs and Teams: He leads the Kleij Research Group at ICIQ, a state-of-the-art facility equipped for advanced organic synthesis, catalysis, and polymer characterization. His team collaborates closely with other research groups at ICIQ and international partners, driving innovation in sustainable chemistry.