Public Abstract

DE-SC0025378: Modulated Electrification of Chemical Manufacturing

Award Status: Active

Institution: University Of Delaware, Newark, DE
UEI: T72NHKM259N3
DUNS: 059007500

Most Recent Award Date: 07/15/2025
Number of Support Periods: 2
PM: Schwartz, Viviane

Current Budget Period: 09/01/2025 - 08/31/2026
Current Project Period: 09/01/2024 - 08/31/2028
PI: Zheng, Weiqing

Supplement Budget Period: N/A

Public Abstract

Modulated Electrification of Chemical Manufacturing Weiqing Zheng, University of Delaware (PI) Stavros Caratzoulas, University of Delaware (co-PI) Dionisios G. Vlachos, University of Delaware (co-PI) Ashley Head, Brookhaven National Laboratory (National Laboratory Partner) We aim to develop research infrastructure in Delaware to control catalyst structures and adsorbate dynamics through modulated electrification. This research program seeks to transform our understanding of endothermic catalytic reactions through dynamic electrification. By focusing on metal catalysts, we seek to uncover the mechanistic details of how pulsed electrification influences catalyst structure and function. This approach moves beyond conventional static experiments, addressing the complexities of transport processes and structural dynamics to provide deeper insights into non-equilibrium heterogeneous catalysis. Traditional catalysis typically operates under static conditions, limiting the ability to explore the catalysts' transient behavior and dynamic structural changes. This often results in catalyst deactivation through phase changes, sintering, and coking. In contrast, our project leverages modulated electrification to actively manipulate catalyst states and control adsorbate dynamics in real time. This method enables us to sustain catalyst activity for much longer operation periods. The collaboration of the University of Delaware (UD) and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is a testament to our combined expertise in catalyst synthesis, evaluation, and advanced spectroscopic techniques. UD's skills in catalyst kinetics, multiscale calculations, and machine learning complement BNL's surface and bulk characterization capabilities, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive study of dynamic electrification. This research has the potential to provide the scientific foundational that could enable the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in the chemical manufacturing industry. Ultimately, our goal is to offer an energy-efficient approach to driving endothermic catalytic reactions, paving the way for innovative applications in catalysis.

Modulated Electrification of Chemical Manufacturing

Weiqing Zheng, University of Delaware (PI)

Stavros Caratzoulas, University of Delaware (co-PI)

Dionisios G. Vlachos, University of Delaware (co-PI)

Ashley Head, Brookhaven National Laboratory (National Laboratory Partner)

We aim to develop research infrastructure in Delaware to control catalyst structures and adsorbate dynamics through modulated electrification. This research program seeks to transform our understanding of endothermic catalytic reactions through dynamic electrification. By focusing on metal catalysts, we seek to uncover the mechanistic details of how pulsed electrification influences catalyst structure and function. This approach moves beyond conventional static experiments, addressing the complexities of transport processes and structural dynamics to provide deeper insights into non-equilibrium heterogeneous catalysis.

Traditional catalysis typically operates under static conditions, limiting the ability to explore the catalysts' transient behavior and dynamic structural changes. This often results in catalyst deactivation through phase changes, sintering, and coking. In contrast, our project leverages modulated electrification to actively manipulate catalyst states and control adsorbate dynamics in real time. This method enables us to sustain catalyst activity for much longer operation periods.

The collaboration of the University of Delaware (UD) and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is a testament to our combined expertise in catalyst synthesis, evaluation, and advanced spectroscopic techniques. UD's skills in catalyst kinetics, multiscale calculations, and machine learning complement BNL's surface and bulk characterization capabilities, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive study of dynamic electrification.

This research has the potential to provide the scientific foundational that could enable the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy use in the chemical manufacturing industry. Ultimately, our goal is to offer an energy-efficient approach to driving endothermic catalytic reactions, paving the way for innovative applications in catalysis.