Semi-pilot scale technology hub for thermocatalytic conversion of wastes and biomass into synthetic fuels and chemicals

ITU-SENTEK (Synthetic Fuels and Chemicals Technology Center) at Istanbul Technical University is an interdisciplinary R&D center focused on sustainable fuels, chemicals, carbon capture and thermochemical conversion technologies. Established on the ITU Ayazağa Campus with 8 dedicated laboratories and semi-pilot/pilot-scale infrastructure, the center conducts applied research spanning biomass and waste gasification, pyrolysis, hydrogen and syngas production, membrane and adsorption-based gas separation, CO₂ capture and utilization, Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, catalytic process development, and sustainable aviation fuels. ITU-SENTEK integrates fundamental research with technology demonstration and scale-up activities at TRL 4–6, supported by advanced characterization, catalyst screening, membrane fabrication, and process modelling capabilities. The center hosts multidisciplinary research groups in thermal processes, catalysis and adsorbents, membrane gas separation, sustainability and life cycle assessment, and process development. Over the last five years, ITU-SENTEK has carried out more than 30 national, international, and industrially funded projects in collaboration with universities, research institutes, and industry partners.