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Research Topics Include:
Partial Oxidation, Complete Combustion, Carbon Chemistry, Modeling, Surface Studies
The future of alternative routes to chemical synthesis for faster, more selective and more economical processes lies in the understanding and development of partial oxidation reactions. Partial Oxidation has been a main focus in this laboratory because of the industrial importance and the lack of adequate research that has been done. Work has been particularly difficult for many reasons: (1) Kinetics are difficult to elucidate because most reactions are mass transfer limited, (2) The highly exothermic nature of the reactions lead to nonisothermal catalysts and multiple steady states and ignition/extinction behavior, and (3) Potential for autothermal behavior and flames and explosions make experiments dangerous. These phenomena must be thoroughly understood and controlled for the development of new technology.
Successful work involving such reactions has included (1) the production of syngas by direct oxidation of methane over monoliths and (2) the production of olefins by direct oxidation of alkanes over monoliths and (3) the production of oxygenates by direct oxidation of butane over catalytic gauzes. Continued work includes experimental studies involving different systems with various catalysts, catalyst geometries, fuels, and reactor configurations. Theoretical modeling of the systems is underway involving ignition/extinction behavior. Kinetic studies using high vacuum techniques will provide a useful link between experiments and theory.
Applications of the partial oxidation work has also lead to Lean Catalytic Combustion. Research is being done into the development of a radiant burner and catalytic incinerator.
Carbon chemistry is also an area of great interest. Applications include the development of intercolation host material for fuel cell electrodes.
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