Gabriel Luiz Lopes Fraga

Dr. Gabriel Luiz Lopes Fraga is a Research Fellow in Process Engineering at Queensland University of Technology's (QUT) School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering, affiliated with the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy. He holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering (2014, Universidade Federal do Parana), MSc in Bioenergy (2016, University of Illinois), and a PhD in Heterogeneous Catalysis (2022, University of Queensland). His research focuses on reaction engineering, biorefining, and valorization of lignocellulosic and plastic wastes into fuels/chemicals, with emphasis on catalytic processes and techno-economic analysis.

Key research areas include: heterogeneous catalysis, transfer hydrogenation, biomass/plastic conversion, and sugarcane industry optimization. He contributes to industry through consulting and training for process efficiency improvements. Recent work explores co-liquefaction of biomass/plastics and integrates PET recycling with pyrolysis.

Publications highlight innovations in process design (e.g., furfuryl alcohol production, hydrogenation catalysts) and automation in sugarcane processing (e.g., massecuite control, sensor integration). His work balances academic research with industrial applications, addressing sustainability challenges in bioenergy and waste management.

Teaching includes courses like Biorefineries and Sustainable Products (ENN436) and supervises undergraduate/master’s students. Collaborations span academia and industry, advancing scalable biorefinery technologies and circular economy strategies.