Study of Adsorbate Interactions with Oxide Surfaces
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Abstract
The aim of this project is to use NMR relaxation time analysis to increase understanding of the surface properties of oxides and how these support structures can be modified thermally or by water (steam) to optimise catalytic reactions and adsorption phenomena. Techniques developed will provide generic capability for support and catalyst characterisation which may be used by BP to provide understanding of adsorption / reaction phenomena observed on specific oxide structures of commercial interest. Further we will evaluate the extent to which NMR relaxation time analysis and diffusion data can be used to understand reactor performance behaviour on a chosen system
People |
ORCID iD |
| Lynn Gladden (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Gemma Siddall (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R511870/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 1945288 | Studentship | EP/R511870/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/11/2021 | Gemma Siddall |
| Description | The general assumption is that water is an inhibitor, however our results have shown that a steaming protocol at 350 - 450 °C significantly increases the surface density of pentacoordinated alumina species, identified to be the strongest Lewis acid sites which correlates to increased catalytic conversion of the catalyst activation step. This insight has many commercial applications as alumina is a fundamental support, solid acid catalyst and binder. |
| Exploitation Route | The thesis has established that water vapour pretreatment under certain conditions can optimise the reactivity of the alumina surface and change the surface hydroxyl population. Future work may inculde: 1) further optimisation of the steaming protocol 2) deactivation study of the steamed aluminas 3) investigation into the fundamental understanding of the steaming effect when alumina is used as a binder in zeolites 4) solid state HETCOR experiments to identify the distinct hydroxyls produced when the alumina is steamed |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy |
| Description | I SPY MRI |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | We contributed to the Cambridge Science Fair to create two interactive scientific activities for all ages. The motivation was to educate the audience about broad application of NMR. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/ |