Our interdisciplinary group focuses on the study of solid catalysts that can stabilize water-oil emulsions and catalyze reactions at the liquid/liquid interface; our research is also focused on partial oxidation of hydrocarbons at the oil/water interface in the Pickering emulsions and solid nanoparticles that catalyze biofuel upgrade reactions at the water/oil interface.
This will have a significant impact and contribute in areas such materials science, chemical science, and environmental science.
For more details, go to the project pages:
Volume 90 Issue 20 | p. 10 | News of The Week
Issue Date: May 14, 2012
By Stephen K. RitterDepartment: Science & Technology | Collection: Entrepreneurs
News Channels: Materials SCENEJACS In C&EN
Tacking hydrophobic organosilyl groups onto the surface of a common zeolite helps overcome the catalyst’s inability to function effectively when liquid water is the reaction medium, chemical engineers have found. The researchers believe their water-repelling zeolite could be a hit for high-pressure water/oil emulsion processing of biomass into fuels and chemicals. The protecting group strategy could also benefit other types of catalysts that are inhibited by water, they say.
