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45144-B5
Mechanistic Study of Methanol Oxidation to Dimethoxymethane over Supported Multi-Component Metal Oxide Catalysts
The main objective of this project is to investigate the mechanism of methanol oxidation to dimethoxymethane (DMM) – a diesel additive - over highly selective supported multi-component metal oxide catalysts. A mechanistic understanding of this reaction provides opportunity in molecular engineering design of specific catalysts for production of DMM through environmentally safe and economically sound processes.
Over the last year we have prepared the necessary equipment and instrumentation for this research. To this point, three students have been involved with this project. One student helped with the equipment set up and testing and the other two have researched available literature on the topic and learned the operation of the instrumentation for running the experiment. The main instruments that are available to us for use in this study are: a Temperature Programmed Surface Reaction (TPSR) Spectroscopy-- Zeton-Altamira temperature programmed system (AMI-200)-- equipped with an online quadruple mass spectrometer (Dycor Dymaxion DME200MS) and, a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer – GC/MS (PerkinElmer Auto System)-- with TCD and FID detectors on the GC. TPSR is used to obtain important kinetic information on methanol oxidation and the GC/MS analyzes, as well as quantifies, products from the steady-state flow unit.
This study has enhanced our understanding of the important field of catalysis and catalytic processes. In addition to being exposed to the state-of-the-art instrumentation and gaining experience in their operation, undergraduate students involved in this project obtain an in depth understanding about issues pertaining energy and reaction engineering, catalysis in particular. While this knowledge helps them with their academic studies as catalysis is part of their senior level course in Reaction Kinetics & Reactor Design, it could promote interest in pursuing their graduate degree in the field.
