Mert Atilhan is an internationally recognized researcher in chemical engineering, specializing in experimental/computational thermodynamics, and material science. He is a full Professor in the Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering at Western Michigan University. Prof. Atilhan earned his B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Ege University in Izmir, Turkey (2002), graduating as the rank No.1 student in his graduating batch in the college of engineering. He received both his M.Sc. (2004) and Ph.D. (2007) in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.
With over two decades of research experience, Prof. Atilhan focuses on designing sustainable, high-impact technologies that address global energy and environmental challenges. His research spans a diverse range of application areas, including:
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- Carbon Capture & Storage: Development of advanced materials and scalable systems for capturing CO₂—both at the point of emission and directly from the atmosphere.
- Advanced Solvent Systems: Design, synthesis and application of ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DES) for gas separation, sour gas treatment, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) delivery, and many other process applications.
- Biomass Treatment & Delignification: Innovation in biomass valorization and industrial decarbonization through enzyme- and solvent-assisted delignification processes, particularly for the pulp and paper industry.
- Gaseous Energy Storage: Utilization of covalent organic polymers (COPs) and porous materials for efficient storage of methane (CH₄) and hydrogen (H₂).
- Novel Paper Coating Materials: Engineering biopolymer-based antibacterial and barrier coatings for sustainable, high-performance paper products.
- Water Treatment: Targeted removal of organic contaminants (i.e., personal care products, microplastics) and PFAS using novel micro-filtration and solvent extraction techniques.
- Next-Generation Batteries: Development of green liquid and solid-state electrolytes and binders for lithium-ion batteries.
- High-Accuracy Thermophysical Properties: Expertise in property measurements such as PVT, density, and viscosity of complex fluids; gas phase equations of state; and hydrate inhibition via IL-based additives.
Prof. Atilhan ranks among the top 2% of scientists globally (Stanford University) and is one of the top 10 most-published PIs in WMU history, with extensive publications and numerous national and international awards.