Catalysis and Energy Conversion
The development of new energy technologies is essential to our Nation to
promote economic prosperity, to enhance energy security, and to provide for
environmental preservation. The Catalysis and Energy Conversion department
conducts basic and applied research in two critical energy-related technologies:
catalysis (homogeneous and
heterogeneous) and
fuel cells and hydrogen (fuel cell
engineering, hydrogen
and fuel cell materials, and
ceramic electrochemistry).
Catalysis
Researchers are developing new catalytic materials and processes for
converting resources such as biomass and coal to transportation fuels and
chemical commodities, reducing NOx emissions, and fundamental research aimed at
improving our understanding of how catalysts promote chemical reactions. In Fuel
Cells and Hydrogen, researchers are developing technologies for the production,
storage, and utilization of hydrogen necessary to realize the potential of fuel
cells as clean, efficient power sources for automotive, stationary and portable
power applications.
Research in heterogeneous catalysis focuses on
developing new catalyst and processes for decomposing and converting cellulosic
materials into liquid fuels and chemical commodities, for use in selective
oxidation and dehydrogenation reactions, for reducing
nitrogen oxide emissions, hydrogen production, and the conversion of
synthesis gas, a mixture of CO + H2, that can be derived from
carbonaceous materials such as biomass and coal into liquid fuels. We also
explore fundamental issues in catalysis such advancing our understanding of the
structure/composition/function relationships in nanoscale catalytic materials.
We are also working to advance the use of x-ray spectroscopy techniques for
studying catalytic reactions under “real world” operating conditions.
Research in homogeneous catalysis explores
fuel-related catalysis mechanisms, new catalytic species, and new catalytic
reaction chemistry using an array of powerful in-situ spectroscopic and kinetic
techniques at the high pressures and temperatures that are frequently used in
industrial processes.
We are also working at the forefront of
fundamental catalysis as partners with Northwestern University in the Institute
for Catalysis in Energy Processes. Catalysis research at the Institute
integrates theory, modeling, synthesis, characterization, and testing with the
ultimate goal of achieving selective chemical transformations through new
catalyst designs that position multiple catalytic functionalities and control
structure and composition with subnanometer precision.
Our researchers are developing technologies for the production, storage, and
utilization of hydrogen necessary to realize the potential of fuel cells as
clean, efficient power sources for automotive, stationary and portable power
applications. R&D in hydrogen production spans fuel reforming (catalytic
conversion of natural gas, gasoline, diesel, ethanol to ethanol), high
temperature electrolysis, and thermochemical cycles. For fuel cells, we are
developing advanced materials and electrocatalysts to reduce the cost and
improve the durability of both solid oxide and polymer electrolyte membrane
technologies. A distinguishing strength of our research is in the analysis of
the complex systems associated with hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell
applications.
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