Distinguished iNANO Lecture: Mechanistic Insight in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Catalysts from Surface Science, Synchrotron and Computational Studies

Professor, Dr. J.W. (Hans) Niemantsverdriet, University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Mechanistic Insight in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Catalysts from Surface Science, Synchrotron and Computational Studies

The Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis produces liquid hydrocarbons from CO and H₂.It is increasingly important in converting natural gas, coal and biomass into synthetic fuels. Major challenges for research are among others to understand why catalysts deactivate, and how the mechanism proceeds. Surface science, synchrotron studies and computational chemistry furnish novel insights^1-5.

References

1. Saib, A. M.; Moodley, D. J.; Ciobica, I. M.; Hauman, M. M.; Sigwebela, B. H.; Weststrate, C. J.; Niemantsverdriet, J. W.; van de Loosdrecht, J., Fundamental understanding of deactivation and regeneration of cobalt Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts. Catalysis Today 2010, 154, (3-4), 271-282.

2. Gracia, J. M.; Prinsloo, F. F.; Niemantsverdriet, J. W., Mars-van Krevelen-like Mechanism of CO Hydrogenation on an Iron Carbide Surface. Catalysis Letters 2009, 133, (3-4), 257-261.

3. Weststrate, C. J.; Gericke, H. J.; Verhoeven, M.; Ciobica, I. M.; Saib, A. M.; Niemantsverdriet, J. W., Ethanol Decomposition on Co(0001): C-O Bond Scission on a Close-Packed Cobalt Surface. Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 2010, 1, (12), 1767-1770.

4. Thune, P. C.; Weststrate, C. J.; Moodley, P.; Saib, A. M.; van de Loosdrecht, J.; Miller, J. T.; Niemantsverdriet, J. W., Studying Fischer-Tropsch catalysts using transmission electron microscopy and model systems of nanoparticles on planar supports. Catalysis Science & Technology 2011, 1, (5), 689-697.

Host: Associate professor Jeppe Vang Lauritsen, iNANO, Aarhus University, Aarhus

Coffee, tea and bread will be served in front of the iNANO auditorium from 10:00.