Allen Puente-Urbina is a chemist with 10+ years of experience working in biomass and bioenergy in the academic, public, and private sectors. Currently, Allen is studying innovative biomass processing strategies towards realistic applications. Allen has published 15+ peer-reviewed research articles, reviewed publications of 10+ specialized journals, and mentored 15+ students.

Research Interests

Biomass conversion

Heterogeneous catalysis

Instrumental analysis 

Education

Dr.Sc., Chemistry, ETH Zurich 
 
M.Sc., Chemistry, University of Costa Rica 
 
B.Sc., Chemistry, University of Costa Rica 

Professional Experience

Lecturer and Researcher, Costa Rica Institute of Technology (2013–2017) 
 
Consultant, Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (2014) 
 
Consultant, Bioenergías de Costa Rica (2011–2014) 

Associations and Memberships

Member, American Chemical Society (2020–present)  
 
Member, Costa Rican Chemists Association (2012–present)  
 
Member, Swiss Chemical Society (2018–2022)  
 
Member, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (2013–2014)  

Featured Work

Technology Overview of Fast Pyrolysis of Lignin: Current State and Potential for Scale‐Up, ChemSusChem (2022)  
 
Optimization of Lignin Extraction from Pine Wood for Fast Pyrolysis by Using a γ-Valerolactone-Based Binary Solvent System, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (2019)  
 
Isomer-dependent Catalytic Pyrolysis Mechanism of the Lignin Model Compounds Catechol, Resorcinol and Hydroquinone, Chemical Science (2021)  
 
Direct Evidence on the Mechanism of Methane Conversion under Non‐oxidative Conditions over Iron‐modified Silica: The Role of Propargyl Radicals Unveiled, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2021)  
 
Effect of Pretreatment Temperature on the Surface Modification of Diatomite with Trimethylchlorosilane, Journal of Porous Materials (2016)  

Awards and Honors

Featured Talent by the Costa Rican Talent Network Abroad, National Academy of Sciences of Costa Rica (2022) 
 
Best Application for Doctoral Scholarships, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications of Costa Rica (2017) 
 
III Best Presentation at the Symposium: Renewable Resources for Materials and Energy: Recent Research and Developments in Ibero-America, 249th American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition (2015) 
 
Best Research Proposal for a M.Sc. in Chemistry Project, University of Costa Rica (2011) 
 
Best Industrial Project of the Entrepreneurship Competition, National University of Costa Rica (2011)