EPSRC Impact Acceleration Fellowships at RCaH
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Publications
Egan CK
(2015)
3D chemical imaging in the laboratory by hyperspectral X-ray computed tomography.
in Scientific reports
Vamvakeros A
(2015)
Real time chemical imaging of a working catalytic membrane reactor during oxidative coupling of methane.
in Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)
Vamvakeros A
(2015)
Removing multiple outliers and single-crystal artefacts from X-ray diffraction computed tomography data
in Journal of Applied Crystallography
Vamvakeros A
(2016)
Interlaced X-ray diffraction computed tomography.
in Journal of applied crystallography
Bradley RS
(2017)
3D X-Ray Nanotomography of Cells Grown on Electrospun Scaffolds.
in Macromolecular bioscience
| Description | The Impact Acceleration award has had 3 fellowships, 2 early career workshops and an industry academia day. the fellowships include Dr Simon Jacques who was working with Manchester and MXIF on 3D Xray tomography in catalytic membrane systems , Robert Bradley (Phase contrast imaging and MXIF) and Rachel O'malley from Johnson Matthey who has been working on Phase contrast imaging of catalysis systems. I include a report on the completed collaboration with Simon Jacques RCAH Impact Fellows Report Dr Simon Jacques, Manchester The RCaH Advanced Impact Position is an EPSRC scheme that encourages collaborative research between groups based at the Research Complex Harwell. I have been fortunate enough to have been awarded one of these fellowships. My project is a collaboration principally with Manchester X-ray Imaging Facility and the UK catalysis hub with the aim of developing methods to image the changing chemistry within working catalytic membrane reactors. These are a new breed of catalytic reactors and we are using these for the efficient and clean conversion of methane to industrially useful feedstock materials such as ethylene. Below is summary of the project and the progress made to date. The imperative for efficient technologies to process methane: The continuous reduction of gas flaring and the exploitation of shale gas by hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has led to a dramatic increase in the availability of methane. Natural gas, whose main component is methane, is considered to be an abundant hydrocarbon source compared to crude oil and consequently there is much interest in producing higher value bulk chemicals from it. Environmentally-friendly and cost-effective processing technologies for direct conversion of methane to light olefins (e.g. ethylene) as an alternative to the highly energy-intensive cracking of crude oil are needed. The oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) can potentially provide an economically viable route for ethylene production. The application of catalytic membrane reactors (CMR) employing oxygen transport membranes can lead to a decrease of the cost of the overall process. The reactor: Figure 1, left, shows the principle of operation of such a reactor. The membrane facilitates the transport of oxygen ions from surrounding air atmosphere to feed the catalytic bed with oxygen. Methane is fed into the base of the reactor and is oxidatively coupled by virtue of an OCM catalyst to produce ethylene product. This process is highly advantageous in that it does not need a source of pure oxygen per se or require separation of product from contaminating gasses such as nitrogen. Whilst this technology is very promising, there is little known about the workings of membrane and catalyst candidate materials in combination. Chemical Imaging: We have been developing a number of chemical imaging methods including X-ray diffraction computing tomography (XRD-CT) which we have used to image working CMR under operando conditions. XRD-CT is extremely powerful as it enables one to obtain images from bulk objects, where the composing pixels contain reconstructed diffraction patterns that themselves contain highly insightful physico-chemical information. Figure 2 below shows XRD-CT derived phase maps at a fixed height within a CMR under different applied conditions. The maps show that the position of the BCFZ membrane (BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.2O3-d), and the catalyst distribution within the catalyst particles within the hollow of the membrane, including the catalyst support phases (cristobalite, tridymite) and catalyst phases (Na2WO4 & Mn2O3) as a function of operating temperature. In this experiment we also see the evolution of BaWO4 which is resulting from the interaction of the catalyst with the membrane. The formation of this phase is highly likely to be detrimental to the long term operation of the CMR. This phase would likely be unobservable by conventional single point measurements. Phase maps for BCFZ, cristobalite and tridymite (SiO2 polymorphs), Na2WO4, Mn2O3, Ba2WO4 and an amorphous phase as determined from the XRD-CT data. These maps have been obtained from the integrated intensities of the respective phases. Current state of project: We are using XRD-CT and supporting measurements to look at a number of membrane catalyst combinations under intended industrial operating conditions. We have recently published a short paper reporting some initial findings and also a methods based paper [2] detailing some developed methods. We are currently preparing full papers on the membrane/catalyst combinations studied to date and also a second methods paper. Key findings from MXIF- RObinsin group edge illumination is a promising X-ray phase-contrast imaging technique. • Phase retrieval usually requires the acquisition and processing of two images. • A single-image retrieval algorithm for edge illumination is proposed. • This greatly simplifies image acquisition and reduces data collection time. |
| Exploitation Route | Simon Jacques project on continuous reduction of gas flaring and the exploitation of shale gas by hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has led to a dramatic increase in the availability of methane. Natural gas, whose main component is methane, is considered to be an abundant hydrocarbon source compared to crude oil and consequently there is much interest in producing higher value bulk chemicals from it. Environmentally-friendly and cost-effective processing technologies for direct conversion of methane to light olefins (e.g. ethylene) as an alternative to the highly energy-intensive cracking of crude oil are needed. this of large impact to energy and environmental research ad the technique develpment arising from this project is widely applicable |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy,Environment,Healthcare,Transport |
| Description | Impact Acceleration Fellowships. We will bring in a minimum of 4 placements from outside the current groups to both stimulate the interaction via innovative ideas, initiate the cross-linkages, and with the time to follow up via a full 6 month visit if possible (even if split in time). These positions will support a variety of roles including sabbatical placements as well as secondments from industry and academia. the fellows were Rachel Omalley (JM) Robert Bradley (Manchester) Simon Jacques (Manchester) Christine Cardin (Bath) All Impact fellows spent time and created collaborations within the research complex at Harwell A project with the UK Catalysis Hub and Simon Jacques: The continuous reduction of gas flaring and the exploitation of shale gas by hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has led to a dramatic increase in the availability of methane. Natural gas, whose main component is methane, is considered to be an abundant hydrocarbon source compared to crude oil and consequently, there is much interest in producing higher value bulk chemicals from it. Environmentally-friendly and cost-effective processing technologies for direct conversion of methane to light olefins (e.g. ethylene) as an alternative to the highly energy-intensive cracking of crude oil are needed. The oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) can potentially provide an economically viable route for ethylene production. The application of catalytic membrane reactors (CMR) employing oxygen transport membranes can lead to a decrease of the cost of the overall process. 1. Collaborative experiments we're staged and succeeded. 2. two collaborative papers 3. A collaborative student project was set up with the industrial partner, which is ongoing Statement from Simon Jaques: RCAH Impact Fellows Report, Dr Simon Jacques, Manchester The RCaH Advanced Impact Position is an EPSRC scheme that encourages collaborative research between groups based at the Research Complex Harwell. I have been fortunate enough to have been awarded one of these fellowships. My project is a collaboration principally with the Manchester X-ray Imaging Facility and the UK catalysis hub with the aim of developing methods to image the changing chemistry within working catalytic membrane reactors. These are a new breed of catalytic reactors and we are using these for the efficient and clean conversion of methane to industrially useful feedstock materials such as ethylene. Below is a summary of the project and the progress made to date. Simon Jacques has subsequently worked with Prof Andy Beale to set up a successful spin out company which uses some of the imaging technology set up in the Catalysis Hub In addition to the fellows, several early career workshops were organised included a careers workshop, a grant writing workshop and an industry day led to fruitful discussions training and knowledge |
| First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
| Sector | Chemicals,Education,Energy,Environment,Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Title | XAFS DRIFTS methods |
| Description | WE have developed a flow system, gas handling and use of a DRIFS spectrometer in combination with XAFS ( at both diamond light source and ESRF) to study insitu and operando catalysis reactions looking at the reaction and structure of the catalysis to increase mechanistic and fundamental understanding of catalytic processes the expertise and equipment through BLock access to B18 on diamond light-source is now available as a resource for the community |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2016 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | A number of publications have arisen from this research tool, additional funding for development of a flow Cell as been secured as an INDUSTRIAL CASE award |
| Description | Collaboration with ISIS neutron and muon source and Johnson Matthe and development of a special edition of PCCP |
| Organisation | Johnson Matthey |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | In association with ISIS the Hub held a workshop on, "Neutron Techniques in Catalysis" in Nov 2014. There were a mix of delegates from industry and academia, with over fifty attendees. This helped to provide training and knowledge transfer to catalytic community who may previously not have used neutrons leading to a range of new users including Johnson Matthey, Academics from Southampton university and UCL. Following this workshop scientists from ISIS, The Catalysis Hub and Johnson Matthey proposed and led a special issue of PCCP edition, "Neutron scattering in catalysis and energy materials" |
| Collaborator Contribution | talks and co organsiation of papers, "Neutron Techniques in Catalysis" in Nov 2014 knowledge and interaction and the contribution of papers and newtork expertise for special issue of PCCP edition, "Neutron scattering in catalysis and energy materials" |
| Impact | special edition of PCCP Neutron scattering in catalysis and energy materials" and increasing use of ISIS beamtime for catalysis research and recognition of the importance of neutron techniques for Johnson matthey (industrial) especially in the region of automotive catalysis and Selective catalytic reduction |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Collaboration with ISIS neutron and muon source and Johnson Matthe and development of a special edition of PCCP |
| Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
| Department | ISIS Neutron and Muon Source |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | In association with ISIS the Hub held a workshop on, "Neutron Techniques in Catalysis" in Nov 2014. There were a mix of delegates from industry and academia, with over fifty attendees. This helped to provide training and knowledge transfer to catalytic community who may previously not have used neutrons leading to a range of new users including Johnson Matthey, Academics from Southampton university and UCL. Following this workshop scientists from ISIS, The Catalysis Hub and Johnson Matthey proposed and led a special issue of PCCP edition, "Neutron scattering in catalysis and energy materials" |
| Collaborator Contribution | talks and co organsiation of papers, "Neutron Techniques in Catalysis" in Nov 2014 knowledge and interaction and the contribution of papers and newtork expertise for special issue of PCCP edition, "Neutron scattering in catalysis and energy materials" |
| Impact | special edition of PCCP Neutron scattering in catalysis and energy materials" and increasing use of ISIS beamtime for catalysis research and recognition of the importance of neutron techniques for Johnson matthey (industrial) especially in the region of automotive catalysis and Selective catalytic reduction |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | 2 talksand 2 posters at The science of Co2 capture and conversion , Varaderro Cuba 2015 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Emma gibson (catalysis Hub), Scott rogers,Peter Wells (catalysis at Harwell), Alexander O'mallet and Pierre Senecal (related to impact project) gave talsk at the Science of CO2 conference in Cuba and spoke to the British ambassador in Cub as well as interacting with the international community |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Leading a Faraday Discussion on Catalysis organised by the RSC April 2016 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Designing New Heterogeneous Catalysts: Faraday Discussion 4 - 6 April 2016, London, United Kingdom Catalysis is a core area of contemporary science posing major fundamental and conceptual challenges, while being at the heart of the chemical industry. It is a major theme in chemical sciences and engineering that underlies much of the key research and teaching in these subjects. At this discussion, we will bring the catalysis community together to discuss the theme of designing new heterogeneous catalysts. Catalysis plays a crucial part in the production of 80% of all manufactured goods. We will explore the modern methods used to design new catalysts and how the approaches can bridge across the disciplines of physical sciences and chemical engineering Themes Catalyst design from theory to practice In this session, we will explore how modern theoretical methods are aiding the design of new heterogeneous catalysts. This will invariably provide interplay between mechanism and the active site Designing new catalysts: synthesis of new active structures In this session, we will discuss ways in which new nanoparticulate structures can play a role in designing new active centres. How they can be prepared and their catalytic properties explored Bridging model and real catalysts We will discuss how modern methods in surface science and microscopy can aid the design of new catalysts. Recent advances in methodologies are enabling model surface science studies and real catalysts come closer together. This session will explore the nature of active catalyst sites Application of novel catalysts In this session we aim to show how new catalyst designs can find important applications that address key challenges facing society at this time, such as energy and water purification |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.rsc.org/events/detail/16840/designing-new-heterogeneous-catalysts-faraday-discussion |
| Description | UK Catalysis Hub Conferences |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Catalysis Hub runs two conferences per year for members of the Hub and for the wider catalysis community. These conferences showcase catalysis research focusing on the work of the Hub. Speakers include researchers from the Catalysis Hub and internationally renowned speakers and industrialists who cover a range of topics including biocatalysis, homogeneuos and heterogeneous catalysis, reaction engineering and industrial catalysis. In addition, poster sessions highlights the projects across the Hub and provide a lively forum for discussion and dissemination of catalytic science. One aim of the UK Catalysis Hub is to develop the next generation of researchers. To facilitate this aim, the UK Catalysis Hub arranges an annual summer conference focusing on providing a forum for the research associates to present their work and interact. Attendance at the conferences is consistently over 100 people. Dinner speakers have included EPSRC, international academics and industrialists |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013,2014,2015,2016,2017 |
| Description | Working at the Bio-Chemo Interface |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The UK Catalysis Hub organised an event jointly sponsored by the EPSRC Catalysis Hub and BBSRC BIOCATNET to stimulate and encourage collaborations at the interface of hetero-/homogeneous catalysis and biocatalysts. This event was attended by over eighty people from both traditional chemo catalysis and the biocatalysts community. Talks covered a wide range of topics including Hydrogen Activation, Biorefining, Biofuels, Synthesis, Modelling artificial enzymes, Upstream and Downstream Processing and Miniaturisation. The event was attended by 60 sciences from across both the Bio and Chemical catalysis community and from Industry and academia. Spirited discussions at the networking opportunities lead to a number of the proposals submitted to the bio transformations theme |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |