Soutenance de Thèse de Doctorat en “Materials Science and Engineering” par Mr. AKMACH Dahi

The Euromed University of Fes (UEMF) is pleased to inform the public of the doctoral thesis defense in “Materials Science and Engineering”

The thesis defense will take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 01:00 pm at UEMF

Location: The Incubator's Main Hall (LOC001994)

The thesis will be presented by Mr. AKMACH Dahi

under the topic:
Development of transition metal carbide catalysts for lignin valorization and CO2 hydrogenation

Abstract:

The rational design of heterogeneous catalysts engineered for specific reactions is essential to achieving high selectivity in catalytic transformations. Transition metal carbide (TMC) catalysts, due to their noble metal-like characteristics, have emerged as potential candidates for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of biomass derived species and CO2 hydrogenation. However, the selectivity for deoxygenation, limited hydrogenation and stability under operating conditions remain as key challenges. This work centers on tailoring transition metal carbide phases to target precise catalytic applications specifically for the hydrodeoxygenation of lignin derivatives and CO2 hydrogenation.

This thesis will be presented to the jury members:

Full Name	Grade	Affiliation	Quality
Prof. Tijani Bounahmidi	Full Professor	Euromed University of Fes	Jury chair
Prof. Jorge Gascon	Full Professor	King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, KAUST, Saudi Arabia	Reviewer
Prof. Marie-Josée Dumont	Full Professor	Laval University, Canada	Reviewer
Prof. Nabil El Brahmi	Full Professor	Euromed University of Fes	Reviewer
Prof. Tatjana Stevanovic	Full Professor	Laval University, Canada	Examiner
Prof. Serge Kaliaguine	Full Professor	Laval University, Canada	Thesis director
Prof. Abdelkrim El Kadib	Full Professor	Euromed University of Fes	Thesis director