Chemical and Environmental Engineering Group

Degrees of M.S. Chemical Eng. (1972) and Ph.D Chemical Eng. (1976), UCM (Universidad Complutense de Madrid). Post-doctoral fellow at the Massachusetts of Technology, and Visiting Professor at the University of California – Santa Barbara (USA). At present time, Professor of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical and Environmental Technology at URJC (Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain). Delegate of the URJC Rector for Enterprise-University Relations.
Former positions:Founding Rector of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain. Former Vice-Rector for International Relations and Secretary General of UCM (Spain). President of the Agency for the Quality of Universities of Madrid (ACAP: Agencia de Calidad, Acreditación y Prospectiva de las Universidades de Madrid). Member of the BIA (Board of International Advisors) of MIIS (Monterey Institute of International Studies, California, USA).
Co-author of a five volume text book in Spanish on Chemical Engineering, co-author and editor of a book also in Spanish on “Introduction to Chemical Engineering”, author of a considerable number of international scientific publications and co-author of some patents. He has supervised more than twenty PhD Thesis. His teaching activity was developed first at UCM (1972-1997) and then at URJC, till now.
Present research interests: a) Synthesis of mesostructured materials and applications to adsorption separation and catalytic processes; b) Clean hydrogen production and hydrogen storage; c) CO2 capture by adsorption with modified mesostructured materials; d) Biofuels.
Member of the Editorial Board of the scientific journal “Adsorption”(Springer). Member of AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers). Honor Medal of Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1996); Honor Medal of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (2004).
  • Hybrid MOF catalysts development for glycerol valorization

    Funding : Universidad Rey Juan Carlos ()
    Start / End Years : 2023 - 2023
    Principal Investigator : Orcajo Rincón, Gisela
    Research Team : - Calleja Pardo, Guillermo - García Rojas, Elena - Leo Llorente, Pedro - Martos Sánchez, Carmen - Orcajo Rincón, Gisela - Paredes Martínez, Beatriz - Tapiador Cebrián, Jesús 

      Show summary: In the current energy-demanding world and emissions-restrictive scenario, biofuels also play an important role in decarbonization, mainly in transportation, buildings and industry. The global production of biodiesel is still growing, generating a massive amount of glycerol as by-product at a rate of 10-12% of biodiesel and a purity of about 50-55%. The global glycerol market size was valued at USD 2.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% in terms of revenue from 2021 to 2027. Alternatives are especially interesting if the use of crude glycerol is enabled without the need of further purification, so new chemical conversion routes need to be explored. Among these alternatives, acetalization reactions stand out as a process that can adhere to the principles of Green Chemistry and can be catalyzed by a heterogeneous catalyst. Acetals are traditionally produced from aldehydes and alcohols in the presence of typical acid catalysts such as dry HCl, H2SO4, trifluoroacetic acid, and p-toluenesulfonic acid. Recently, successful, and efficient acetalization reactions have also been reported using heterogeneous catalysts such as Amberlyst-15 and Amberlyst-36, silica-supported heteropoly acids, mesoporous silicates containing arylsulfonate groups and zeolites. However, none of these catalysts can simultaneously contain structural Lewis and Brønsted acid sites, which is a suitable catalytic feature for acetalization reactions. The main objective of this project is to find an efficient system to transform glycerol into high-value products by using advanced catalysts that improves the state of the art about acetalization of glycerol, using heterogeneous, active and selective novel catalysts. These advanced catalysts will be hybrid materials based on MOFs and mesoporous silica that would enhance the physical and chemical properties of the MOF phase, decreasing the economic costs of the catalyst production.





















Direct a-arylation of ketones efficiently catalyzed by Cu-MOF-74

Leo, P.; Orcajo, G.; Briones, D.; Martínez, F.; Calleja, G.


Hybrid amine-silica materials: Determination of N content by 29Si NMR and application to direct CO2 capture from air

Sanz-Pérez, E. S.; Fernández, A.; Arencibia, A.; Calleja, G.; Sanz, R.


Alkaline-earth metal based MOFs with second scale long-lasting phosphor behavior

Briones, D.; Leo, P.; Cepeda, J.; Orcajo, G.; Calleja, G.; Sanz, R.; Rodríguez-Diéguez, A.; Martínez, F.


Sustainable Fe-BTC catalyst for efficient removal of mehylene blue by advanced fenton oxidation

Martínez, F.; Leo, P.; Orcajo, G.; Díaz-García, M.; Sanchez-Sanchez, M.; Calleja, G.


Tuning the textural properties of HMS mesoporous silica. Functionalization towards CO2 adsorption

Sanz-Pérez, E. S.; Arencibia, A.; Calleja, G.; Sanz, R.


Reuse and recycling of amine-functionalized silica materials for CO2 adsorption

Sanz-Pérez, E. S.; Dantas, T. C. M.; Arencibia, A.; Calleja, G.; Guedes, A. P. M. A.; Araujo, A. S.; Sanz, R.


New developments on carbon dioxide capture using amine-impregnated silicas

Sanz-Pérez, E. S.; Arencibia, A.; Sanz, R.; Calleja, G.


New URJC-1 Material with remarkable stability and acid-base catalytic properties

Leo, P.; Martínez, F.; Calleja, G.; Briones, D.; Wojtas, L.; Orcajo, G.


An investigation of the textural properties of mesostructured silica-based adsorbents for predicting CO2 adsorption capacity

Sanz-Pérez, E. S.; Arencibia, A.; Sanz, R.; Calleja, G.


CO2 capture with pore-expanded MCM 41 silica modified with amino groups by double functionalization

Sanz, R.; Calleja, G.; Arencibia, A.; Sanz-Pérez, E. S.


Preparation and characterization of MOF-PES ultrafiltration membranes

Sotto, A.; Orcajo, G.; Arsuaga, J. M.; Calleja, G.; Landaburu-Aguirre, J.


Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production by improving the Pt dispersion over mesostructured TiO2

Serrano, D. P.; Calleja, G.; Pizarro, P.; Gálvez, P.


Development of high efficiency adsorbents for CO2 capture based on a double-functionalization method of grafting and impregnation

Sanz, R.; Calleja, G.; Arencibia, A.; Sanz-Pérez, E. S.


Effect of ion-exchange modification on hydrogen and carbon dioxide adsorption behaviour of RhoZMOF material

Calleja, G.; Botas, J. A.; Martos, C.; Orcajo, G.; J. A. Villajos


Amino-functionalized pore-expanded SBA-15 for CO2 adsorption

Olea, A.; Sanz-Pérez, E. S.; Arencibia, A.; Sanz, R.; Calleja, G.


CO2 adsorption performance of amino-functionalized SBA-15 under post-combustion conditions

Sanz-Pérez, E. S.; Olivares-Marín, M.; Arencibia, A.; Sanz, R.; Calleja, G.; Maroto-Valer, M. M.


CO2 uptake and adsorption kinetics of pore-expanded SBA-15 double-functionalized with amino groups

Sanz, R.; Calleja, G.; Arencibia, A.; Sanz-Pérez, E. S.


Adsorción de CO2 sobre materiales mesoestructurados funcionalizados con grupos amino

Sanz-Pérez, E.; Arencibia, A.; Sanz, R.; Calleja, G.

  • Materiales Porosos en Adsorcin y Catlisis, 3, 5-16 (2012)

Amino functionalized mesostructured SBA-15 silica for CO2 capture: Exploring the relation between the adsorption capacity and the distribution of amino groups by TEM

Sanz, R.; Calleja, G.; Arencibia, A., Sanz-Pérez E.S.


Influence of drying conditions on amine-functionalized SBA-15 as adsorbent of CO2

Calleja, G.; Sanz, R.; Arencibia, A.; Sanz-Pérez, E.


Co8-MOF-5 as electrode for supercapacitors

Díaz, R.; Orcajo, M. G.; Botas, J. A.; Calleja, G.; Palma, J.


Effect of Zn/Co ratio in MOF-74 type materials containing exposed metal sites on their hydrogen adsorption behaviour and on their band gap energy

Botas, J. A.; Calleja, G.; Sánchez-Sánchez, M.; Orcajo, M. G.


Differences between the isostructural IRMOF-1 and MOCP-L porous adsorbents

Calleja, G.; Botas, J. A.; Orcajo, M. G.; Sánchez-Sánchez, M.


Morphological modifications of Cr/SBA-15 and Cr/Al-SBA-15 ethylene polymerization catalyst: Influence on catalytic behaviour and polymer properties

Aguado, J.; Calleja, G.; Carrero, A.; Moreno, J.


Production of biofuels via the catalytic cracking of mixtures of crude vegetable oils and nonedible animal fats with vacuum gas oil

Melero, J. A.; Clavero, M. M.; Calleja, G.; García, A.; Miravalles, R.; Galindo, T.


Cobalt doping of the MOF-5 framework and its effect on gas-adsorption properties

Botas, J. A.; Calleja, G.; Sánchez-Sánchez, M.; Orcajo, G.


CO2 adsorption on branched polyethyleneimine-impregnated mesoporous silica SBA-15

Sanz, R.; Calleja, G.; Arencibia, A.; Sanz-Pérez, E. S.


On the Hydrogen adsorption over Zeolite-like MOF materials modified by ion exchange

Calleja, G.; Botas, J. A.; Sánchez-Sánchez, M.; Orcajo, M. G.

  • International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 35, 99169923 (2010)

Control of SBA-15 materials morphology by modification of synthesis conditions

Carrero, A.; Moreno, J.; Aguado, J.; Calleja, G.

  • Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis, 174A, 321-324 (2008)

One-step synthesis of chromium and aluminium containing SBA-15 materials - New philips catalysts for ethylene polymerization

Aguado, J.; Calleja, G.; Carrero, A.; Moreno, J.

  • Chemical Engineering Journal, 137, 443-452 (2008)

Mesostructured SiO2-doped TiO2with enhanced thermal stability prepared by a soft-templating sol–gel route

Calleja, G.; Serrano, D. P.; Sanz, R.; Pizarro, P.


Characterization of adsorptive and hydrophobic properties of silicalite-1, ZSM-5, TS-1 and Beta zeolites by TPD techniques

Serrano, D. P.; Calleja, G.; Botas, J. A.; Gutiérrez, F. J.

  • Separation and Purification Technology, 54 (1), 1-9 (2007)

Preparation, characterization and testing of Cr/AlSBA-15 ethylene polymerization catalysts

Calleja, G.; Aguado, J.; Carrero, A.; Moreno, J.


Development of crystallinity and photocatalytic properties in porous TiO2 by mild acid treatment.

Serrano, D. P.; Calleja, G.; Sanz, R.; Pizarro, P.

  • Journal of Materials Chemistry, 17, 1178-1187 (2007)

Adsorption of hydrogen and methane mixtures on carbon cylindrical cavities

Morales-Cas, A. M.; Moya, C.; Coto, B.; Vega, L. F.; Calleja, G.

  • Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 111 (17), 6473-6480 (2007)

Novel titanocente-tartrate complexes as catalysts for the asymmetric epoxidation of allylic alcohols

van Grieken, R.; García, R. A.; Calleja, G.; Iglesias, J.


Ethane adsorption in slip-shaped micropores: influence of molecule orientation on adsorption capacity

Calleja, G.; Coto, B.; Pinar, A.; Morales-Cas, A. M.

  • Adsorption, 12, 45-54 (2006)

Iron Species Incorporated over Different Silica Supports for the Heterogeneous Photo-Fenton Oxidation of Phenol.

Martínez, F.; Calleja, G.; Melero, J. A.; Molina, R.


Storage stability and corrosion studies of renewable raw materials and petrol mixtures: a key issue for their co-processing in refinery units

Melero, J. A.; Calleja, G.; García, A.; Clavero, M.; Hernández, E. A.; Miravalles, R.; Galindo, T.


Producción limpia de hidrógeno a partir del gas natural

Calleja, G.; Serrano, D. P.; Botas, J. A.; Guil López, R.

  • Energa & Empresa, N 14, pp. 40 (2006)

Adsorption energy distribution form grand canonical Monte Carlo Calculation

Calleja, G.; Coto, B.; Morales Cas, A. M.

  • Applied Surface Science, 252 (12), 4345-4352 (2006)

Nanocomposite of Crystalline Fe2O3 and CuO Particles and Mesostructured SBA-15 Silica as an Active Catalyst for Wet Peroxide Oxidation Processes.

Melero, J. A.; Calleja, G.; Martínez, F.; Molina, R.


Heterogeneous photo-Fenton degradation of phenolic aqueous solutions over iron-containing SBA-15 catalyst

Martínez, F.; Calleja, G.; Melero, J. A.; Molina, R.


Chromium supported onto swelled Al-MCM-41 materials: a promising catalysts family for ethylene polymerization

Calleja, G.; Aguado, J.; Carrero, A.; Moreno, J.


Activity and resistance of iron-containing amorphous, zeolitic and mesostructured materials for wet peroxide oxidation of phenol

Calleja, G.; Melero, J. A;. Martínez, F.; Molina, R.


Ethylene polymerization over chromium supported onto SBA-15 mesoporous materials

Calleja, G.; Aguado, J.; Carrero, A.; Moreno, J.


Los problemas energéticos a gran escala: el hidrógeno, ¿mito o solución?

Calleja, G.; Martos, M. C.

  • Energa Revista de Ingeniera y Medioambiental, 47-48 (2005)

Catalizadores de cromo soportados para la polimerización de etileno

Calleja, G.; Aguado, J.; Carrero, A.; Moreno, J.

  • Revista de Plsticos Modernos, 582, 584-592 (2004)

Influence of synthesis routes on the state of fe species in sba-15 mesoporous materials

Lázár, K.; Calleja, G.; Melero, J. A.; Martinez, F.; Molina, R.

  • Proceedings of the 14th International Zeolite Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, 805-812 (2004)

Preparation of bimodal micro-mesoporous TiO2 with tailored crystalline properties

Serrano, D. P.; Calleja, G.; Sanz, R.; Pizarro, P.

  • Chemical Communications, 8, 1000-1001 (2004)

Adsorption and Hydrophobic Properties of Mesoestrutured MCM-41 and SBA-15 Materials for Volatile Organic Compound Removal

Serrano, D. P; Calleja, G.; Botas, J. A.; Gutiérrez, F. J.

  • Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 43, 7010-7018 (2004)

Study on the synthesis of high surface area mesoporous TiO2 in the presence of non ionic surfactans

Calleja, G.; Serrano, D.P.; Sanz, R.; Pizarro, P.

  • Industrial & Engineering Chemical Research, 43, 2485-2492 (2004)

Adsorción de tolueno y agua en materiales mesoporosos MCM-41

Serrano, D. P; Calleja, G.; Botas, J. A.; Gutiérrez, F. J.

  • XXIX Reunin Ibrica de Adsorcin, Oporto, Portugal. Sesin Oral (2004)

The role of hydroxyl groups on the silica surface when supporting metallocene/MAO catalyst

van Grieken, R.; Calleja, G.; Serrano, D.P.; Martos, C.; Melgares, A.M.; Suárez, I.

  • Polymer Reaction Engineering, 11(1) , 17-32 (2003)

Supercritical fluid extraction of a nonionic surfactant template from SBA-15 materials and consequences on the porous structure

van Grieken, R.; Calleja, G.; Stucky, G. D.; Melero, J. A.; García, R. A.; Iglesias, J.


Estudio de las propiedades hidrofóbicas de materiales tipo MCM-41 mediante ensayos de desorción térmica programada

Serrano, D. P.; Calleja, G.; Botas, J. A.; Gutiérrez, F. J.; Sevillano, S.

  • SECAT03, Torremolinos, Mlaga, Sesin Pster (2003)

Photocatalytic degradation of trichloroethylene in water by high surface area mesoporous titania

Pizarro, P.; Serrano, D. P.; Calleja, G.; Sanz, R.

  • Chemical Industry and Environment IV, 1, 113-122 (2003)

Activity and stability of Fenton-like species supported over different silica structures

Calleja, G.; Melero, J.A.; Martínez, F.; Molina, R.

  • Oxidation Tecnologies for water and wastewater treatment. Special Topic: AOPs for Recycling and Reuse. N 57 pp. 530-535 (2003)

Preparation of titanium molecular species supported on mesostructured silica by different grafting methods

Calleja, G.; van Grieken, R.; García, R.; Melero, J. A.; Iglesias, J.


Influence of the operating conditions on the deactivation by coke of a 5A molecular sieve during the adsorption/desorption of n-decane

Calleja, G.; Uguina, M.A.; Sotelo, J.L.; Diaz, J.A.; Castillo, E.

  • Adsorption, (en prensa pendiente publicacion vol 8) (2002)

Temperature programmed desorption of isopentane and water on MCM-41 materials as a test for the VOCs abatement

Serrano, D. P.; Calleja, G.; Botas, J. A.; Gutiérrez, F. J.

  • 9 Congreso Mediterrneo de Ingeniera Qumica, Barcelona (Espaa). (2002)

Adsorption properties of MCM-41 materials for the VOCs abatement

Calleja, G.; Serrano, D.P.; Botas, J.A.; Gutiérrez, F.J.

  • Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis, 142, 1671-1678 (2002)

Propiedades adsorbentes de materiales MCM-41 y zeolitas para la recuperación de COVs

Calleja, G.; Serrano, D.P.; Botas, J.A.; Gutiérrez, F.J.

  • XXVII Reunin Ibrica de Adsorcin. Len (Espaa). (2002)

Synthesis of micelle templated TiO2 mesophases by a sol-gel approach: effect of the surfactant removal

Serrano, D. P.; Calleja, G.; Sanz, R.; Pizarro, P.

  • Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis, 135, 251 (2001)

Reply to comments by M.Sakuth, S.Sander and J.Gmehling on Chem.Eng.Data,1998, 43, 994-1003

Calleja, G.; Pau, J.; Calles, J.A.

  • J. Chem.Eng.Data, 44,1429-1431 (1999)

Pure and Multicomponent Adsorption Equilibrium of Carbon Dioxide, Ethylene and Propane on ZSM-5 Zeolites with different Si/Al Ratios

Calleja, G.; Pau, J.; Calles, J.A.


Prediction of Breakthrough Curves of Phenol Compounds obtained in a Fixed Bed Adsorber of Granular Activated Carbon

Calleja, G.; Rodriguez, J.A.; Calles, J.A.

  • Fundamentals of Adsorption, Engineering Foundation, FOA6, 24-28 (1998)

Comparison of Molecular Simulation of Adsorption with Experiment

Calleja, G.; Myers, A.L.; Calles, J.A.

  • Adsorption, 3,107-115 (1997)

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