Christopher L. Marshall
Group Leader, Heterogeneous Catalysis Research
Chris Marshall is a research chemist with expertise in catalyst formulation
and characterization, reactor testing of both homogeneous and heterogeneous
catalysts, catalysis fundamentals, and molecular modeling.
His work is aimed at understanding the workings of current catalysts and
improving their activities and selectivities. Research goals are met by a
combination of selective synthesis of active catalytic phases; improved
understanding of the interrelationships between the active phases, supports and
feeds; and the use of computational chemistry to develop first-principle
understanding of both catalyst and hydrocarbon feed and products. The unique
understanding brought about by these techniques provides new insights into
existing and future commercial processes; this research important to both the
U.S. Department of Energy and chemical and energy-producing companies.
Before joining Argonne, Chris worked for the Amoco Oil Research and
Development Department in Naperville, Illinois. His work included the
development of new petroleum processing catalysts. While at Amoco he furthered
his extensive understanding of catalyst mechanisms and deactivation, which began
during his Ph.D. research at Michigan State University under Professor Thomas J.
Pinnavaia. Chris made his mark in the development of in-situ techniques for
catalyst characterization. He developed techniques (such as in-situ gravimetric
analysis of deactivating catalysts) that were crucial tools for understanding
the deactivation of catalytic cracking catalysts and served as the basis for new
catalyst formulations. Early in his career at Argonne, Chris directed research
programs in nanoscale synthesis of catalysts, hydrocarbon alkylation catalysis,
sulfur-resistant NOx catalysts, and catalysts for the removal of toxic
substances in coal liquids.
Chris' current research emphasizes a mix of fundamental understanding of the
nature of the catalyst with practical applications. He interacts extensively
with academic, industrial, and national-laboratory organizations.
Christopher L. Marshall, PhD
Argonne National Laboratory
9700 South Cass Avenue, Bldg. 205
Argonne, IL 60439-4837
630-252-4310, fax 630-972-4408
marshall@anl.gov |