Project Info
H2 storage strategy – HCOOH as a potential H2 carrier
Stephanie Kwon
kwon@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
This project aims to design a catalytic system to efficiently store and release H2 molecules in form of chemical bonds in organic molecules. Specifically, formic acid (HCOOH) decomposition routes have been emerged as a promising method to release H2 on demand for fuel cell applications. More recently, previous works have demonstrated that Au nanoparticles of subnanometer sizes (< 1nm) are very active and selective for HCOOH dehydrogenation catalysis, even at atmospheric temperature and pressure. Yet, the mechanistic details are not well-understood with conflicting mechanisms proposed in the literature. This work will combine kinetic, spectroscopic, isotopic, and theoretical methods to understand HCOOH dehydrogenation mechanisms involved in subnanometer-sized Au particles. We expect that the results of this study will provide a fundamental understanding of catalytic reactivity and selectivity of atomically dispersed Au catalysts, which will ultimately allow us to design reactive and selective catalytic systems for HCOOH dehydrogenation processes.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Engineer the tools of scientific discovery.
https://kwonslab.github.io/
Primary Contacts:
Stephanie Kwon, kwon@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
Knowledge in undergraduate-level kinetics (CBEN 418 or equivalent) is suggested but not required.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
5
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
The student will gain hands-on experiences in catalyst synthesis, kinetic measurements, and characterizations. Specifically, the student will learn cutting-edge tools to design and characterize Au nanoparticles and gain knowledge in nanotechnology that can have broad impacts in energy applications.
MENTORING PLAN
I meet with the student individually on weekly basis. We also have group meetings biweekly.
PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS
Junior
Senior