Gürkan Karakaş

Prof. Dr. Gürkan Karakaş is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Middle East Technical University (METU). He has been serving as a faculty member at METU since 1998, progressing from Lecturer to his current position as Professor since 2006. He also served as Head of Department from 2007 to 2010 and Deputy Head of Department from 1998 to 2004.

His educational background is entirely from METU, where he earned his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering. Prior to his current position, he completed postdoctoral research at Ohio State University from 1995 to 1998.

• B.Sc. Middle East Technical University, Chemical Engineering, Turkey
• M.Sc. Middle East Technical University, Chemical Engineering, Turkey
• Ph.D. Middle East Technical University, Chemical Engineering, Turkey

Prof. Karakaş's research interests span across Chemical Reaction Engineering, Environmental Catalysis, Selective NOx Reduction, Heteroatom Removal, and Gas Sensors. His work particularly focuses on photocatalysis, chemical heat pumps, and catalytic processes for environmental applications. His research has significant implications for air and water purification technologies, energy systems, and chemical process design.

Analysis of his recent publications shows a strong focus on photocatalytic materials (especially titanium dioxide-based systems), gas sensor development, and chemical heat pump technologies. His work combines fundamental materials science with practical engineering applications, often addressing environmental challenges through innovative catalytic solutions.

Among his scientific achievements, Prof. Karakaş has supervised 45 theses and published numerous articles with significant citation impact (629 total citations, h-index of 14 according to Web of Science). He has led multiple funded research projects, particularly in the areas of photocatalysis, environmental catalysis, and chemical heat pumps.

• Development of photocatalytic converters for public transportation air quality (2021-2022)
• Zinc oxide thin films with improved photocatalytic activity (2021-2022)
• Fe2O3 xerogels for phosphorous removal from wastewater (2017)
• Reaction kinetics of metal chlorides in deep eutectic solvents (2017)

Prof. Karakaş has advised numerous graduate students across various research topics including photocatalysis, gas sensors, chemical heat pumps, and reaction engineering. His research group has been supported by various funding sources including TÜBİTAK and higher education institutions.

His laboratory work primarily focuses on developing and characterizing catalytic materials, particularly for environmental applications. His team works on synthesis of nanostructured materials, thin film deposition, and characterization of catalytic and photocatalytic properties for various applications including air purification, water treatment, and energy systems.