New Research Director brings strong expertise in developing the greening of internal combustion engines
Teuvo Maunula's expertise is in catalytic systems for the reduction of harmful emissions, environmental technology, experimental design and simulation methods. He is involved in various projects with several corporate partners. In addition to research projects, his tasks include mentoring students and researchers.
Maunula received his PhD in chemical engineering from Aalto University in 2007. He is also docent at the Aalto University.
Teuvo Maunula is a versatile professional with a strong background in business, research, and university cooperation. He has worked in R&D and customer project support for commercial catalyst systems, mainly at Kemira, Ecocat Oy and Dinex Finland Oy, as well as at Ahlström Oy's Research Centre.
Maunula's areas of expertise include catalytic methods for the removal of nitrogen oxides and reaction engineering. He was a visiting catalyst researcher at the Japanese Ministry of Trade and Industry Laboratory from 1994 to 1995. Maunula started developing production-scale products for the automotive industry from 3-stage catalysts for petrol cars and continued with diesel engine catalysts, where development and project management was his main work in the corporate world for the last 25 years.
Catalysis, and in particular catalysis as an environmental technology, is the most important and long-standing area of research at the University of Oulu's Environmental and Chemical Engineering Research Unit (ECE), and one of the most internationally significant, and one that the research unit now wants to strengthen with the expertise of someone who has made a career in industry.
"The aim is to establish and maintain collaboration with industry in both research and teaching, and to expand the international network through successful H2020 Europe applications. The Environmental and Chemical Engineering Research Unit, complemented by the position of Professor of Practise, will lead to significant new opportunities in this research area and enhance the visibility of the University of Oulu and the research unit and its potential to become an undisputed leader on the international scene," says Esa Muurinen, Head of the research unit.
Maunula's working hours are divided equally between the universities of Oulu and Vaasa.
"I am looking forward to using my expertise in collaboration with experts from the University of Vaasa's engine and combustion technology and business partners. Collaboration with the University of Oulu's Environmental and Chemical Engineering Research Unit is part of my role in pursuing the use of green fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and e-hydrocarbons in future engines without harmful emissions," says Maunula.