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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/E030580/1
Title Towards a molecular understanding of deactivation issues in methane reforming catalysts
Status Completed
Energy Categories Not Energy Related 95%;
Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Production of transport biofuels (incl. Production from wastes)) 5%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 100%
Science and Technology Fields PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Professor RM (Mark ) Ormerod
No email address given
Keele University
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 01 October 2007
End Date 30 September 2011
Duration 48 months
Total Grant Value £123,121
Industrial Sectors Chemicals
Region West Midlands
Programme Materials, Mechanical and Medical Eng, Physical Sciences, Process Environment and Sustainability
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Professor RM (Mark ) Ormerod , Keele University (100.000%)
  Industrial Collaborator Project Contact , Huntsman Polyurethanes, USA (0.000%)
Project Contact , STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) (0.000%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract This research proposal brings together a grouping of specialists in surface chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, solid state chemistry, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy to identify the critical factors responsible for maintaining hydrogen yields in methane reforming catalysts. Ormerod has already prepared, and partially characterised, a number of methane reforming catalysts that display a wide range of performance, in terms of hydrogen selectivity and operational lifetime. Whereas the standard formulations display the expected catalyst deactivation characteristics, some of the modified catalysts exhibit excellent hydrogen selectivity that can be maintained over extended periods of time, i.e. minimal deactivation is observed. A workplan is presented whereby the research team will develop a mechanistic understanding of why the 'good' catalysts favour high hydrogen selectivity and avoid the carbon laydown processes, thatlead to the formation of surface oligermic species and, ultimately, catalyst deactivation. This multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research proposal has direct connections to energy requirements of the UK chemical industry and, moreover, targets key areas of the science base as highlighted in the recent Whiteside's report and the EPSRC's Research Priorities and Opportunities document
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 22/02/07