Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Commons^™

First-Principle Study On The Interaction Of Ligands With Gold And Effects On Catalytic Activities, Xun Cheng

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The extensive use of fossil fuels has increased the atmospheric concentration of CO₂, resulting in global climate change. One way to mitigate the CO₂ challenge is to convert it into useful chemicals electrocatalytically using renewable energies. Recent studies suggest that ligand-modified gold electrodes can enhance the Faradaic efficiency (FE) and selectivity of the electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). This theoretical research, primarily based on density functional theory (DFT), has been carried out to understand the interactions of ligands with Au and possible effects on electrocatalytic activities. We systematically modeled and studied the adsorption of …

Nanoscale Colocalization Of Fluorogenic Probes Reveals The Role Of Oxygen Vacancies In The Photocatalytic Activity Of Tungsten Oxide Nanowires, Meikun Shen, Tianben Ding, Steven T. Hartman, Fudong Wang, Christina Krucylak, Zheyu Wang, Che Tan, Bo Yin, Rohan Mishra, Matthew D. Lew, Bryce Sadtler

Electrical & Systems Engineering Publications and Presentations

Defect engineering is a strategy that has been widely used to design active semiconductor photocatalysts. However, understanding the role of defects, such as oxygen vacancies, in controlling photocatalytic activity remains a challenge. Here, we report the use of chemically triggered fluorogenic probes to study the spatial distribution of active regions in individual tungsten oxide nanowires using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. The nanowires show significant heterogeneity along their lengths for the photocatalytic generation of hydroxyl radicals. Through quantitative, coordinate-based colocalization of multiple probe molecules activated by the same nanowires, we demonstrate that the nanoscale regions most active for the photocatalytic generation of …

Aqueous And Oil Products From Hydrothermal Liquefaction Of Manure Digestate, Kenzie Burns

Honors Theses

Hydrothermal liquefaction is a promising thermochemical waste-to-energy (WtE) technology for conversion of wet biomasses, such as manure and digested manure, into value-added products, namely energy-rich biofuel and a nutrient-rich aqueous product. WtE technologies can address environmental issues relating to overproduction of organic wastes and increasing dependence on fossil fuels, which leads to climate change. HTL has not been implemented on a commercial scale, in part due to the uncertainty regarding specific reaction pathways for different feedstocks and ideal conditions for production of the most valuable products.

This research investigates the compositions of the aqueous and oil products from HTL of …

Ni-Au Anodic Nano-Electrocatalyst For Direct Glucose Fuel Cells, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Aya S. Abdulhalim Eng, Yassr M. Asal Mr, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

This study aims at the sequential assembling of a nickel oxide (NiOx: cauliflower-like nanostructure, 90 nm) and gold (Au; spherical, 95 nm in an average particle size) onto the GC surface nanocatalyst on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode (will be abbreviated as Ni-Au/GC) for the glucose electro−oxidation (GO); the principal anodic reaction in the direct glucose fuel cells (DGFCs). The charge of the Ni deposition on the GC surface (will be abbreviated as Ni/GC electrode) was initially optimized to obtain the highest catalytic activity toward GO which attained at (339.8 Ag−1) by applying 15 mC in the Ni deposition. Yet, …

Tuning The Activity And Stability Of Platinum Nanoparticles Toward The Catalysis Of The Formic Acid Electrooxidation, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Bilquis A. Al-Qodami, Santosh Sridhar Mysore Dr, R. Viswanatha Dr, Abdul Kareem Thottoli, Ahmad M. Mohammad

Chemical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Synthesis And Characterization Of Chitosan Based Catalyst For Catalysis Applications, Mostafa Radwan

Chemical Engineering

In this research, chitosan based catalyst synthesis and characterization was investigated for different application in catalysis as chitosan based catalyst was combined with metal oxides in order to be used in dye removal of methyl orange (MO). Diluted acetic acid was used to dissolve chitosan then different percentages for metallic ions were mixed with diluted chitosan and then, 500 μL were added to the sample to reduce the metal salts then, microwave was used to heat the mixture for 5 minutes and then dried at 80-100 °C. Finally, X- ray diffraction was used to confirm the catalyst prepared. The aim …

Application Of Immobilized Palladium Monolithic Catalysts In Suzuki-Miyaura And Tsuji-Wacker Redox Reactions, Sajjad Ghobadi

Theses and Dissertations

Herein, a wholistic analysis of the viability of monolithic catalysts for redox reactions is presented. The interdisciplinary approach taken in this systematic study included preparation and investigation on Pd-on-carbon monoliths as catalysts in a flow and electrochemical settings.

The Suzuki-Miyaura reaction-focused study led to rational design, preparation, and successful application of Pd⁰-on-graphene oxide (GO) monolithic catalysts in flow conditions. In this study a combination of chemical reduction, freeze-casting, and vapor-phase reduction processes was applied to Pd-GO structures leading to the preparation of these monoliths. The Suzuki flow synthesis reactions revealed that the monolithic structure led to significantly improved …

Enhanced Glucose Electrooxidation At Ni-Cu Binary Oxide Nanocatalyst, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Mahmoud M. Abouzaid Eng, Yaser M. Asal Mr, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

The aim of this study is to fabricate a nickel (NiOx) and copper (CuOx) oxide nanocatalyst on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode (will be abbreviated as Ni-Cu/GC) for glucose oxidation (GO). A sequential electrodepositon mode was applied to assemble NiOx and CuOx in the fabrication scheme. The optimization of Ni loading on the GC surface (will be abbreviated as Ni/GC electrode) was achieved first to attain the maximum catalytic efficiency in terms of the specific current toward GO. This (409 Ag1)was obtained by applying 15 mC/cm2 in the deposition of Ni. However, unfortunately the NiOx/GC could not support a long-term …

Catalytic Utilization Of Carbon Dioxide As Renewable Feedstock For Production Of Chemicals And Fuels, Abbas Alaa Jawad

Doctoral Dissertations

"The utilization of CO₂ as a renewable feedstock for producing commodity chemicals and fuels is an interesting challenge to explore new concepts and opportunities in catalysis and industrial chemistry. This sustainable approach not only leads to production of useful chemicals, but also has the potential to mitigate anthropogenic CO₂ emissions to the atmosphere. CO₂ itself is a sustainable and inexhaustibly available carbon source, however, it is inextricably linked to its inherent inertness. It is a thermodynamically stable molecule (ΔG_f = -394.01 kJ.mol^-1) with high oxidation state, hence, reactions of CO₂ must be combined …

Dynamic Study Of Mo/Zsm-5 Catalyst For Ch4 Dehydroadomation, Hadi Yahya Almusawa

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Methane dehydroaromatization (CH₄-MDA) is a highly promising venture for natural gas utilization/exploitation, i.e., direct conversion of methane (CH₄) to liquid aromatics (benzene) and hydrogen. This process is a catalytic reaction and therefore, is subject to all the advantages and constraints of catalysis. This study discussed the structure and reactivity of Mo/ZSM-5 zeolite catalysts and their effect on the active conversion of methane to valuable aromatic products such as benzene: 1) The preparation and characterization of Mo/ZSM-5, which are crucial steps in any catalytic reaction process since a better performing catalyst consequently leads to better outcomes; 2) …

Reactions At The Critical Point Of Solution, Jason Mote

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Effect Of The Electrodeposition Potential Of Platinum On The Catalytic Activity Of A Pt/Gc Catalyst Toward Formic Acid Electro−Oxidation, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Bilquis A. Al-Qodami Ms., Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

The electrocatalytic activity of platinum (Pt)–modified glassy carbon (GC) (referred as Pt/GC) electrodes toward the formic acid electro−oxidation (FAO) was investigated. The Pt deposition on the GC substrate was carried out by a potentiostatic technique at different potentials (from 0.2 V to −0.2 V vs. Hg/Hg2Cl2/KCl (sat.) reference electrode) and the corresponding influence on the catalytic activity toward FAO was monitored. The electrocatalytic inspection revealed a potential role for the Pt deposition potential in boosting the catalytic efficiency of the catalyst toward FAO and further in mitigating the CO poisoning that eventually deactivate the catalyst. Interestingly, the highest activity toward …

A Spin-Coated Tiox/Pt Nanolayered Anodic Catalyst For The Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

The CO poisoning of the platinum anodic catalyst which typically functions the catalytic deterioration of the direct formic acid fuel cells could be minimized with a simple modification for Pt with titanium oxide. The fabrication scheme involved the spin-coating of a Ti precursor onto a Pt thin layer that was physically sputtered onto a Si substrate. The whole assembly was subjected to a post-annealing processing to produce the TiOx layer (60 nm) in a porous structure (mostly Anatase) atop of the Pt surface. The porous nature of the TiOx layer permitted the participation of Pt in the electrocatalysis of the …

Development Of Novel Adsorbent For Industrial Waste Water Treatment, Hassaan M. Shehata, Dalia A. Ali, Islam M. Al-Akraa Dr, Hany A. Elazab, Hoda A. Elsawy Dr

Chemical Engineering

The main objective of this research project is to perform some experimental procedures to inform the ability of the novel adsorbent used in this project. The chemical modification of the adsorbent is the chemical oxidation of pure powder chitosan using some specific redox pairs which are potassium dichromate and sodium bisulphite. After preparing the modified chitosan, there are some parameters that must be discussed during the adsorption process. The first parameter is the time parameter, showing experimentally the optimum time for adsorption under certain conditions by collecting values of absorbance and concentration of thymol blue adsorbed after the process from …

Synthesis, Characteristic And Application Of Mesocellular Foam Carbon (Mcf-C) As Catalyst For Dehydrogenation Of Ethanol, Yoottapong Klinthongchai

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This research aims to investigate the synthesis of MCF-C as catalyst for dehydrogenation of ethanol. The study was classified into 3 parts. In the first part, the mesocellular foam silica (MCF-Si) was converted to mesocellular foam carbon using a surfactant residue as a carbon source, and followed by testing the dehydrogenation of ethanol to acetaldehyde. Surfactant residue in the inside of MCF-Si could be used as the carbon source for MCF-C synthesis. The obtained material could maintain the meso-structure, and exhibited higher activity for ethanol dehydrogenation in comparison to MCF-Si. For the second part, MCF-C was examined for 12 h …

Synthesis Of Mwcnts By Chemical Vapor Deposition From Methane Using Femo/Mgo Catalyst : Role Of Hydrogen And Kinetic Study, Chawalkul Chotmunkhongsin

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) of methane over FeMo/MgO catalyst in a fixed-bed reactor. The role of hydrogen on CNTs synthesis and kinetics of CNTs formation were experimentally investigated. The study revealed that hydrogen in the catalyst reduction process plays an important role in the structural changes of FeMo/MgO catalyst. The catalyst structure fully transformed into metallic FeMo, resulting in the increased yield of 5 folds higher than the non-reduced catalyst. However, the slightly larger diameter and lower crystallinity ratio of CNTs was obtained. The hydrogen co-feeding during the synthesis can slightly …

Cu-Based Electrocatalysts For Carbon Dioxide Conversion To Value-Added Chemicals, Qingyang Li

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Massive usage of fossil fuel has being causing considerable emission of CO₂, which increases the temperature of the planet and greatly threaten human living environment, such as soil degradation, lower agricultural productivity, desertification, less biodiversity, fresh-water reduction, ocean acidification, ozone sphere destruction, etc. A number of technologies are being developed to reduce the CO₂ amount, however, all existing technologies except utilizing CO₂ as a feedstock, are hardly to essentially close the anthropogenic carbon loop. Currently, considering the economy and operability, electroreduction of CO₂ seems to be the most promising strategy to convert CO₂ to …

Review Of Established And Emergent Methods For The Production Of C4 Olefins, James Matthew Koval

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Current production of C₄ olefins is dominated by naphtha cracking and butane dehydrogenation, but significant research interest is developing in alternate feedstocks due to an abundance of inexpensive natural gas and bioethanol. The current C₄ olefin production methods are costly, make use of already-depleted petroleum resources, and are often hazardous to workers, which forms the impetus for investigation into alternative methods and assessment of their viability as a future means of olefin production. Methods of natural gas conversion to higher order hydrocarbons are discussed, including Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and oxidative methane coupling, each of which could form the first …

Process Development Of Shale Gas Assisted Lignin And Biomass Reforming Through Novel Reaction Pathway And Catalyst Design To Produce Hydrogen Rich Syngas For Fuels And Value Added Chemicals, Amoolya D. Lalsare

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Novel biomass reforming strategy through synergistic co-processing with flare gas (methane and carbon dioxide) was developed at West Virginia University. Hardwood biomass comprised of lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose is abundant in the US and potentially a sustainable source of hydrogen through extensive reforming and gasification. Ever-increasing shale gas production in the US occasionally leads to flaring owing to stranded production across the US. Achieving biomass co-processing with natural gas about to be flared in such stranded shale plays is the underlying motivation here. A novel reaction pathway was discovered wherein methane and carbon dioxide assisted reforming of biomass could be …

Process Modeling And Techno-Economic Analysis Of Thermo-Catalytic Dimethyl Ether Synthesis And Microwave-Based Aromatics Production Technologies From Shale Gas, Chirag Mevawala

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Production of dimethyl ether (DME) and direct non-oxidative methane dehydroaromatization (DHA) to aromatics via conventional and microwave (MW)-assisted processes are investigated in this research. Plant-wide models of the shale gas to DME process with integrated CO₂ capture via direct and indirect synthesis routes have been developed. Optimal parameter estimation, and model validation are undertaken for various sections of the process including the pre-reforming reactor, auto-thermal reforming reactor, DME synthesis reactors, CO₂ capture units and separation sections. A novel DME separation process has been developed for efficient separation of DME, syngas, and CO₂. Plant-wide techno-economic optimization is …