Catalysis
The Laboratory of Energy Science and Engineering is working actively on reactions to convert (i) carbon dioxide, (ii) methane and other light hydrocarbons or (iii) biomass into value-added fuels and or chemicals. Reactions we are studying include:
- CO2 hydrogenation to methanol
- Dry reforming of methane
- Propane dehydrogenation
- The catalytic hydrodealkylation for aromatics
Preparing catalysts with controllable properties, we apply detailed characterization techniques (electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, NMR, IR and Raman spectroscopy, etc.) to identify the active sites, deactivation mechanisms and reaction pathways. Ultimately, this information shall aid the rational design of more active and selective catalysts.