**About the Special Issue Editor**

**Javier Ere ˜na Loizaga** graduated in Chemistry (1991, Speciality: Industrial Chemistry) at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain). Since 1990, the year he joined the laboratories of the Chemical Engineering Department from the University of the Basque Country, his research has focused on the development of catalytic processes for obtaining fuels and raw materials from alternative sources to petroleum.

In 1996, he defended his Doctoral Thesis on a collaboration agreemen<sup>t</sup> between the "Catalytic Processes and Waste Valorization" research group (a well established/consolidated high-performance group in the Basque Country) and the Center for Chemical Reactors from the University of Western Ontario (Canada). The objective was to obtain gasoline from synthesis gas and CO<sup>2</sup>.

Since 2000, his research work has mainly focused on the study of the following reseach lines (key to the industrial development of the concept of bio-refinery):


Since 1996, he has been a Professor at the University of the Basque Country, where he integrates his research activities and teaching in subjects related to Chemical Engineering.

## **Preface to "Catalysts for Syngas Production"**

Synthesis gas (or syngas) is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, with different chemical composition and H2/CO molar ratios, depending on the feedstock and production technology used. Syngas may be obtained from alternative sources to oil, such as natural gas, coal, biomass, organic wastes, etc. Syngas is a very good intermediate for the production of high value compounds at the industrial scale, such as hydrogen, methanol, liquid fuels, and a wide range of chemicals. Accordingly, efforts should be made to co-feed CO2 with syngas, as an alternative for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, more syngas will be required in the near future, in order to satisfy the demand for synfuels and high value chemicals.

New research for syngas production is essential for reducing operating costs, improving the thermal efficiency of the process, and preserving the environment. Advances should be made in the following areas:


Further steps should be made to advance the catalytic processes for saving energy and capital costs, and for optimizing the quality and properties of syngas, such as H2/CO molar ratio and absence of contaminants.

> **Javier Ere ˜na Loizaga** *Special Issue Editor*
