He completed his Ph.D. in chemical engineering at the University of Minnesota in 1992 with advisors Lanny D. Schmidt and Rutherford Aris on the topic of dynamic crystal surfaces as it pertains to catalysis.
[10] Other research has addressed liquid phase dehydration and/or hydrodeoxygenation of biomass-derived molecules such as furfural, dimethylfuran, or benzoic acid.
[14] Vlachos' approach to modeling is identified by its breadth of scale from molecular, to particle, and macroscale for applications across reaction chemistry, separations, and biology.
His research in collaboration with his colleagues has directly led to the following technologies: Vlachos has supervised and mentored over 50 graduate Ph.D. students and 40 post-doctoral scholars.
[24] His advising has produced numerous industrial leaders and faculty in the academia, with several former students at leading institutions of research and education including Jeff Rimer (Univ.
[25][26][27] Dionisios Vlachos has authored more than 350 journal articles describing significant advances in catalysis, microreactors, and energy applications which include: Vlachos' contributions to research, education and service have received numerous awards, many of which demonstrate his interests in catalysis, mathematics and the problems associated with energy and sustainability.
His appointment was highlighted as: "Dion Vlachos has an international reputation as a leader in renewable energy research and catalysis,"Other awards and honors include:[34]