How do you teach an old catalyst new tricks? Catalysts have had a major role in the making of the Modern World due to their ability to direct energy and chemistry toward value-added goods. Yet, only in recent times have researchers began to understand and measure how surface features of catalysts can be manipulated to make an ordinary catalyst behave extra-ordinarily. This seminar will summarize key discoveries in how nanoscale features enabled unexpected and superior functionality for gold, copper, and other catalytic materials. Some pioneering work has been done, e.g. catalyst research with copper for CO2 utilization, but further advancement of this field could tap the potential to greatly reduce or eliminate downstream separations, leading to smaller production systems that are modular, cheaper, and mobile. Presenter: Dr. Douglas R. Kauffman, NETL
Presentation
Advances in Nanoscale Control of Catalysts
Video
Biography
Dr. Douglas R. Kauffman
Dr. Douglas Kauffman is a Federal Staff Scientist that oversees a portfolio of experimental and computational research projects at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). Since joining NETL, he developed several nanomaterials-based systems for converting carbon dioxide into useful chemicals and fuels. A main theme in Dr. Kauffman’s work is establishing control and measurement of materials at the nanoscale, in order to confer novel catalytic ability. Through X-ray spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and computational modeling Dr. Kauffman advances material discoveries that employ nanostructured features for the attainment of more precise material and energy flow. He obtained a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, applying carbon nanotubes for catalysis and chemical sensing applications.