Catalysis

Recycling and The Development of Cleaner Processes

Investigating Hydrocracking

The Hydrogen Economy

The Catalytic Conversion of Polyolefins to Useful Refinery Feedstocks

Work in this area has extended to include collaboration with researchers in Japan, Spain and the UK. It involves the use of heterogeneous catalysts, such as zeolites, and novel reactors, such as trickle beds, in the production of fine chemicals which afford many advantages. Employment of in-situ FTIR, pH and Raman probes along with reaction calorimetry help follow these complex reactions.

Developing Increased Porosity in Microporous Catalysts

Another area of particular interest is in alternative routes to manufacture fine speciality chemicals. The use of traditional reagents such as mineral acids and toxic metal reagents is widespread and has many drawbacks, such as, the formation of large volumes of acid waste and poor reaction selectivity. Therefore I have been applying my research in liquid phase catalysis and also the use of organic hydrides for hydrogen storage in mobile and stationary power applications (with links to Tyndall and Joule Centres).

Further interests:

Another exciting project I am involved with (NERC funded), jointly with colleagues in Physics and Chemistry, investigates atmospheric aerosol composition in an effort to understand their effects on atmospheric chemistry, climate and human health. Furthermore, other interests include the study of basic properties of catalysts when irradiated by microwaves in association with the Materials Centre and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Current Projects:

Hydrocracking and Hydrogen Storage

Recycling of polymer waste using zeolite catalysts

Reaction monitoring (e.g. in-situ ATR FTIR, pH and Calorimetry)

Heterogeneous catalysts in organic synthesis

TG-MS studies

Investigation of atmospheric aerosols with a field aerosol mass spectrometer

Investigation of acid catalysts in microwave reactors