Mahdi Abu-Omar

The Abu-Omar Group conducts research at the intersection of chemistry, chemical engineering, and catalysis to develop innovative solutions in energy, sustainability, and green chemistry. They focus on designing catalysts, reactions, and chemical processes that enable the production of renewable and recyclable materials to replace petrochemical-based products. 

Their work has advanced the selective valorization of lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer, into biophenols and quinones, which serve as building blocks for biobased and recyclable plastics. They explore how catalyst choice and monomer structure influence the thermal and mechanical performance of these sustainable materials. 

In response to the global plastics crisis, The Abu-Omar Group is developing catalytic methods for the chemical upcycling of polyethylene into high-value aromatics and surfactants. We are also investigating chemical recycling of polyurethane foams back into their polyol constituents. This includes mechanistic and kinetic studies of acidolysis in both the liquid and vapor phases to better understand and optimize depolymerization pathways. 

A unifying theme across their projects is molecular-level insight into catalyst design and reaction mechanisms. Group members are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary research, collaborate across campus, and shape their own projects within a supportive and dynamic research environment.