Biography
Dr Arran Plant is a Catalysis and Clean Technology Specialist focused on developing advanced catalytic materials for ultrasound-driven processes, with applications in sustainable fertilizer production. He joined the University of Oxford as a Postdoctoral Researcher in 2026.
Arran joined OXCCU in 2023, an Oxford University spin-out, where he contributed to scaling the company’s catalytic technologies in support of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) ambitions.
He completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering at Lancaster University in 2023 under the supervision of Professor Malcolm Joyce and Dr Vesna Najdanovic. His research produced several publications on the co-generation of renewable chemicals alongside nuclear fission systems, advancing concepts in integrated low-carbon energy and chemical production.
Arran previously earned a BSc in Chemistry and Physics from Keele University in 2013, followed by an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham in 2014.
Research Interests
Research interests focus on advanced catalytic systems, including ultrasound-assisted catalysis, radiolysis, and thermochemical conversion of renewable feedstocks. Current focus is on ultrasound catalysis and sonochemical process intensification to enhance catalytic activity and reaction efficiency towards renewable fertilizer production. Interested in CO₂ and N₂ utilisation for sustainable fuel and fertiliser production, with emphasis on low-carbon chemical pathways. Interested in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production through CO2 utilization, methanol synthesis, light olefin synthesis, oligomerisation, and Fischer–Tropsch processes. Motivated by translating catalytic innovations into scalable industrial technologies for net-zero fuels and chemicals.
Current Research Project
Investigating novel catalysts for nitrogen fixation using sonochemical reactor systems
