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[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Exelus Selected for Up to $1.2M DOE Award to Further Biomass-to-Gasoline Work
November 13, 2009
| The basic Exelus BTG process. Source; Exelus. Click to enlarge. |
The US Department of Energy has selected Exelus, Inc. for an award of up to $1,200,000 to further its development of Biomass-to-Gasoline (BTG) technology—a novel thermochemical process that converts biomass into a clean, high-octane gasoline-compatible fuel. (Earlier post.)
The BTG process applies a series of moderate-temperature, catalyzed reactions to convert lignocellulosic biomass into gasoline-range alcohols. The BioGasoline produced by BTG has a high octane rating (greater than 105 using the (R+M)/2 method), and lower blending vapor pressure (RVP) and higher energy density than conventional ethanol.
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DOE and USDA Select Projects for More Than $24M in Biomass Research and Development Grants
The US Departments of Agriculture and Energy selected projects for more than $24 million in grants to research and develop technologies to produce biofuels, bioenergy and high-value biobased products. Of the $24.4 million announced today, DOE plans to invest up to $4.9 million with USDA contributing up to $19.5 million. Advanced biofuels produced through this funding are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% compared to fossil fuels.
Projects selected must contribute a minimum of 20% of matching funds for research and development projects and 50% of matching funds for demonstration projects. Funding is provided through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and DOE’s Biomass Program.
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Utah Researchers Find Strong Correlation Between Size of Catalyst Particles and Their Electronic Structure and Activity; Potential For Less Expensive, More Efficient Catalysts
November 07, 2009
| CO oxidation activity (left axis, solid squares) compared with shifts in the Pd 3d binding energy, relative to expectations from smooth bulk scaling (right axis, open circles), as a function of cluster size. Source: Kaden et al. Click to enlarge. |
University of Utah chemists demonstrated the link between the size of catalyst particles on a solid surface, their electronic properties and their ability to speed chemical reactions. Senior author Professor Scott Anderson says it is the first demonstration of a strong correlation between the size and activity of a catalyst on a metal surface and the electronic properties of the catalyst.
The study, published in the 6 November issue of the journal Science, is a step toward the goal of designing less expensive, more efficient catalysts to increase energy production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and manufacture a wide variety of goods from medicines to gasoline.
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Report from CS3 Symposium Highlights Work Toward Artificial Photosynthesis For Direct Solar Production of Liquid Transportation Fuels
November 06, 2009
Scientists are making progress toward development of an “artificial leaf” that mimics photosynthesis, but that converts sunlight and water into a liquid fuel such as methanol for cars and trucks, according to a new report summarizing the discussions from the 1st Annual Chemical Sciences and Society Symposium (CS3). However, much work remains to be done in all the component areas, as well as in the integration of the components to a viable artificial leaf.
The three-day symposium, which took place in Germany this past summer, included 30 chemists from China, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was organized through a joint effort of the science and technology funding agencies and chemical societies of each country, including the US National Science Foundation and the American Chemical Society (ACS).
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Researchers Discover That Fullerenes Support Hydrogenation Without Noble Metal Catalysts Under Mild Conditions
November 02, 2009
| Fullerenes can drive hydrogenation under mild conditions. Credit: ACS, Li and Xu. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Nanjing University in China have shown that fullerenes (cage-like, all-carbon nanostructures) can function effectively as novel non-metal hydrogenation catalysts. Catalytic hydrogenation—used to refine crude oil, synthesize ammonia, and now in multiple processes to produce bio-hydrocarbon fuels from renewable fats and oils—conventionally relies on transition-metal catalysts.
Current catalysts and processes typically require high temperatures and pressures. The ability to replace these catalysts with carbon-based substitutes operating under milder conditions could reduce process costs—as well we environmental effects from metal pollution.
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Oxford Catalysts in $5.9M Fischer-Tropsch Demonstration and Commercialization Agreement; Focus on Biomass- and Waste-to-Liquids Applications
October 27, 2009
Oxford Catalysts Group PLC, signed a definitive joint development agreement (JDA) with SGC Energia, SGPS, S.A. (SGCE) for the demonstration and commercialization of the Group’s Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology, primarily for Biomass-to-Liquids (BTL) and Waste-to-Liquids (WTL) applications. Oxford Catalysts has a platform catalyst technology that provides the increased activity in microchannel reactors. (Earlier post.)
Oxford Catalysts’ US subsidiary, Velocys, Inc. and SGCE have been working together since 2007 under a memorandum of understanding. The recently signed JDA formalizes the commercial relationship between the parties and provides $5.9 million of further funding directly to the Group over the balance of 2009 and 2010.
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Researchers Double Activity of Platinum Catalyst in Methanol Fuel Cells by Using Surface Steps
October 19, 2009
| Left.High-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy image of platinum nanoparticles on a fuel cell electrode. Right. Schematics of high-index planes observed on Pt nanoparticles. Credit: ACS, Lee at al. (2009). Click to enlarge. |
A team of researchers from MIT, the Japan Institute of Science and Technology, and Brookhaven National Laboratory have found that changing the surface texture of platinum used in a methanol fuel cell electrode—specifically, creating nano surface steps instead of using a smooth surface—can significantly increase the catalytic activity.
In a paper published online 13 October in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, they show a linear relationship between the intrinsic activity and the amounts of surface steps. Increasing surface steps on Pt nanoparticles of ~2 nm led to enhanced intrinsic activity up to 200% (current normalized to Pt surface area) for electro-oxidation of methanol.
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DOE Researchers Uncover Nature of Anchoring Sites of Platinum Catalyst; Insight Could Lead to Improved Catalysts
September 27, 2009
| Rafts of catalytic platinum oxide float above aluminum oxide, anchored by bonds between platinum and aluminum. Credit: Chuck Peden/PNNL. Click to enlarge. |
US Department of Energy (DOE) researchers have uncovered new details about the nature of anchoring sites of a catalytically active phase of platinum on the surface of the industrially common γ-Al2O3 catalyst support material. The new work yields insights into how to improve the industrial catalyst for oil refining, chemicals processing and environmental uses. The study appears in the current issue of the journal Science.
Researchers in the Institute for Interfacial Catalysis at DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) performed the analysis of the industrial catalyst known as aluminum oxide-supported platinum. Such precious metal and oxide combinations are the most common kinds of industrial catalysts. The new work will help engineers control the preparation of the catalyst, which will lead to performance improvements.
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Researchers Develop Bacterial Enzyme-Based Catalyst for Water-Gas Shift Reaction at Ambient Conditions; New Thinking About Catalyst Design
September 22, 2009
| Researchers used coupled enzymes for the WGS reaction at ambient temperature. Source: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
A team of researchers from the UK and US have developed a coupled bacterial enzyme-based catalyst for the important water-gas shift reaction (WGS) for the production of hydrogen from syngas. A paper on the work was published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on 15 September.
The water-gas shift (WGS) reaction for the production of hydrogen from carbon monoxide and water (CO + H2O ↔ CO2 + H2) typically requires high temperatures typically in excess of 200 °C and a metal catalyst. The team, led by Fraser Armstrong at Oxford, separated the WGS process into two half-cell electrochemical reactions (H+ reduction and CO oxidation), catalyzed by bacterial enzymes attached to a conducting particle.
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Vattenfall and Aalborg University Partner with SCF Technologies on Near Supercritical Bio-oil Process
September 05, 2009
| Overview of the CatLiq process. Source: SCF Technologies. Click to enlarge. |
Vattenfall and Aalborg University are partnering with Danish startup SCF Technologies in a two-year project to design a demonstration plant based on SCF’s CatLiq process—an application of the firm’s supercritical fluid technology in the catalytic production of bio-oil from organic waste.
CatLiq converts biomass and organic wastes in water at near or supercritical conditions (280-350 °C and 180-250 bar). Under these conditions water is very reactive, and converts, in the presence of homogeneous (KOH) and heterogeneous (ZrO2) catalysts, the organic fraction of the feed into smaller and more saturated molecules in the form of a bio-oil product, a water-soluble organics product and a high calorific value gas product. In addition to the bio-oil/methane products, the process can be tuned to produce hydrogen and water soluble fuels such as methanol, ethanol or acetaldehyde.
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UMass Amherst Licenses Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis Technology to Startup Anellotech to Produce Renewable Biogasoline
August 29, 2009
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| Huber’s process rapidly pyrolizes biomass in the presence of a zeolite (ZSM-5) catalyst. Click to enlarge. |
The University of Massachusetts Amherst recently granted a biofuels startup company, Anellotech, exclusive global rights to the university’s catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) technology developed by chemical engineer and UMass Amherst faculty member George Huber for producing renewable biogasoline and other biohydrocarbon fuels. (Earlier post.)
Huber’s patent-pending technique offers a low-cost, single-step process for turning sawdust, woody stalks and other waste biomass into gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil and valuable chemical commodities such as benzene, toluene and xylenes. Huber is a co-founder of Anellotech and chair of Anellotech’s scientific advisory board.
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New Solid Catalyst for the Direct Low-Temperature Oxidation of Methane to Methanol
August 21, 2009
A team led by Ferdi Schüth at the Max Planck Institute of Coal Research in Mülheim (Germany) and Markus Antonietti at the Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam-Golm (Germany) has developed a novel catalyst for the direct low-temperature oxidation of methane to methanol. A report on their work was published online 4 August in the journal Angewandte Chemie.
While methanol is again attracting attention as a possible energy source for fuel cells or as a substitute for gasoline, it requires a complex synthesis process from natural gas via a detour through synthesis gas. One interesting alternative that was earlier pursued and then abandoned is the direct low-temperature oxidation of methane to methanol. The new catalyst could spur a return to commercial development of this type of process, which could result, among other applications, in the efficient conversion of stranded natural gas on site.
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ACS Meeting Symposium Focuses on Conversion and Utilization of CO2 for Fuels and Chemicals
August 16, 2009
Researchers at the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) led off a day-long symposium on advances in CO2 conversion and utilization being held at the 238th American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting, which began today in Washington, DC. The NRL researchers presented their progress in hydrogenating CO2 to jet fuel via a two-stage, high-yield and highly selective synthesis process. (Earlier post.)
Robert Dorner and his colleagues are looking at converting CO2 and hydrogen (both won from sea-water) over catalysts, using the CO2 as a building block to form synthetic fuel. This reaction is energetically not favored and thus a catalyst is needed, which will lower the energy barrier of the reaction and increase the rate at which it occurs. The energy utilized to convert CO2 and hydrogen is also harvested from the ocean, by taking advantage of the temperature gradient of the water with increasing depth, making the fuel CO2-neutral.
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OriginOil, Carbon Sciences Apply for DOE Grants for CO2 to Fuels
August 13, 2009
OriginOil, Inc., the developer of technology for efficient and non-destructive (earlier post) extraction of oil from algae, led a consortium in a recently submitted application for a grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 targeting the beneficial use of CO2. The consortium includes the Idaho National Laboratory of the Department of Energy (DOE), two top US universities, and materials technology firm Media & Process Technology.
Carbon Sciences, Inc., the developer of a biocatalytic process to transform CO2 into low-carbon hydrocarbons (C1 to C3) for subsequent upgrading into higher-carbon fuels such as gasoline and jet fuel (earlier post), has also applied for an award under the FOA.
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New PNNL Small-Scale Hydrodesulfurizer/Steam Reformer System Lets Portable Fuel Cells Use JP-8 or Diesel
June 12, 2009
| JP-8 steam reformer (left) and a compact hydrodesulfurization system (right). Source: PNNL. Click to enlarge. |
A new system developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory allows portable fuel cells to operate using JP-8—a common fuel used worldwide in military applications with and sulfur levels that can vary considerably from region to region—or road diesel.
The development of fuel cell power systems supplied by liquid hydrocarbon fuels such as JP-8 or diesel has continued to be challenged by the difficulty in cleanly reforming these fuels without catalyst deterioration. One of the major sources of catalyst deterioration and resulting low conversion activity has been the presence of sulfur in these fuels.
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New One-Pot Catalytic Pathway to Convert Cellulose to Glucose and HMF, an Intermediate for Fuels and Chemicals
June 09, 2009
| Hydrolysis product yield from cellulose using single and paired CuCl2 /CrCl2 catalysts. Zhang et. al. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a catalytic pathway for the rapid conversion of cellulose to sugars and further to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)—a versatile intermediate for chemicals and fuels.
In 2007, the PNNL team had reported developing a catalytic system to efficiently convert glucose to HMF. (Earlier post.) However, for such a process to be commercially sustainable in large quantities, cellulosic biomass must be able to be used as the feedstock. The bottleneck has been the decrystallization of cellulose followed by hydrolytic cleavage. The new work addresses that issue.
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Velocys Awarded Commercialization Grant for Microchannel Reactor Technology for Hydroprocessing to Upgrade Fischer-Tropsch Fuels and Heavy Petroleum Feedstock
May 28, 2009
A collaboration led by Velocys, Inc., the US subsidiary of UK-based Oxford Catalysts Group PLC, has been awarded a $5-million, 2.5-year commercialization grant to apply Velocys’ microchannel reactor technology to hydroprocessing for transportation fuels. (Earlier post.)
The project focuses on hydrocracking to upgrade Fischer-Tropsch fuels and heavy petroleum feedstock for jet and diesel fuel. Additional hydroprocessing application opportunities include the processing of edible oils, specialty and fine chemicals, and conversion of natural oils and fats to transportation fuels.
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Researchers Determine Key Intermediate Step in NOx Reduction on Alumina-Supported Silver Catalysts
May 22, 2009
| Reaction mechanisms for the deNOx reaction on an alumina-supported silver catalyst. Source: Thibault-Starzyk et al. Click to enlarge. |
Using a new experimental method, researchers in France and the UK have identified the key intermediate step in the reaction between carbon monoxide and nitric oxide on a silver-alumina catalyst for reduction of NOx in the exhaust from fuel-efficient lean-burn automotive engines.
Using femtosecond laser excitation followed by nanosecond time-resolved in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to initiate a catalytic reaction on alumina-supported silver catalysts, they found that a cyanide group flips from a silver nanoparticle to the alumina support (with a lifetime of 2 microseconds).
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Potter Drilling to Test Oxford Catalysts’ Instant Steam Technology in Drilling Geothermal Wells
May 21, 2009
Oxford Catalysts Group PLC has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Potter Drilling, Inc., a google.org funded company, to explore the incorporation of Oxford Catalysts’ Instant Steam technology (earlier post) into Potter Drilling’s hydrothermal spallation technology for drilling geothermal wells.
Geothermal wells can be slow and expensive to drill using conventional rotary drilling methods because the wells are often sunk deep into hard crystalline rocks which are difficult and slow to penetrate and which quickly wear down the drill bits. Potter Drilling’s technology overcomes these problems by using superheated fluid to drill through the rocks, rather than relying on the abrasive cutting power of a rotating drill bit.
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New One-Pot Catalytic Process For Hydrogenation of Bio-Oil to Produce Alkanes
May 12, 2009
| Plot of phenol conversion, cyclohexanol selectivity, and cyclohexanone selectivity for the aqueous-phase hydrogenation of phenol as a function of reaction time. Zhao et al. (2009) Click to enlarge. |
A team of German and Chinese scientists led by Johannes A. Lercher at the Technical University of Munich has developed a new catalytic process for the aqueous-phase hydrogenation of components of bio-oil directly into alkanes and methanol. As reported in the journal Angewandte Chemie, the process is based on a “one-pot reaction” catalyzed by a precious metal on a carbon support combined with an inorganic acid.
Bio-oil (or pyrolysis oil) is produced by fast pyrolysis or liquefaction of biomass. Although a promising second-generation renewable energy carrier, its high oxygen content, instability and lower energy content make direct use as an advanced liquid fuel not feasible. Consequently, there are a number of research initiatives underway exploring pathways for the efficient upgrading of bio-oil to a fungible hydrocarbon fuel. The US Department of Energy is also funding research in stabilizing bio-oils to support such upgrading. (Earlier post.)
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Ames Laboratory and Catilin Seek to Commercialize New Nanoparticle-Based Algal Oil Extraction Process
April 15, 2009
| An example of a mesoporous silica nanosphere (MSN). The mesoporous structure is illustrated by the hexagonally packed light-colored dots. Credit: Victor Lin. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory and Iowa State University have developed a unique method that uses sponge-like mesoporous nanoparticles to harvest biofuel oils from algae without harming the algae. The nanofarming technology promises lower production costs and shorter production cycles.
Commercialization of this new technology is at the center of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the Ames Laboratory and Catilin, a nanotechnology-based company that specializes in biofuel production (earlier post). The agreement targets development of this novel approach to reduce the cost and energy consumption of the industrial processing of non-food source biofuel feedstock.
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Researchers Achieve Major Advance in Performance of Non-Precious Metal Catalysts for PEM Fuel Cells
April 06, 2009
| Comparison of the best NPMC (non-precious metal catalyst) in this work with a Pt-based catalyst. Lefèvre et al. (2009). Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunication in Quebec, Canada, report a major advance in the use of non-precious metal catalysts for PEM fuel cells. In a study published 3 April in the journal Science, they describe a new synthetic route for inexpensive iron-based catalysts that can equal the performance of a platinum-based cathode with a loading of 0.4 milligram of platinum per square centimeter at a cell voltage of ≥0.9 volt.
One of the obstacles to commercializing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is the cost of the fuel cells themselves. Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) cells, widely studied for such mobile applications, generally use carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) catalysts at the electrodes. Much research has gone into replacing platinum with less expensive substitutes. (Earlier post, earlier post.)
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New Cost-Effective Continuous Flow Technology with Solid Catalyst for Converting Algae Oil to Biodiesel
March 26, 2009
Chemists at United Environment and Energy LLC have developed an energy-efficient, high throughput continuous flow fixed-bed reactor technology for cost-effective algae oil biodiesel production. A report on what they termed “the first economical way to produce biodiesel from algae oil” was presented at the 237th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Salt Lake City, Utah.
One of the problems with current methods for producing biodiesel from algae oil is the processing cost, and the researchers say their process is at least 40% cheaper than that of others now being used.
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Researchers Develop Better-Performing Pd Catalysts for Fuel Cells
March 20, 2009
| The new Pd nanoparticles outperform commercially available versions. Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
Chemists at Brown University have developed palladium (Pd) nanoparticles for use as fuel cell catalysts with about 40% greater active surface area than commercially available palladium particles, and the nanoparticles remain intact four times longer. A paper on their work was published online 12 March in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Palladium has been under investigation as an alternative to platinum for use in fuel cells; palladium is more abundant and less expensive. However, researchers have had difficulties in creating palladium nanoparticles with enough active surface area to make catalysis efficient in fuel cells while preventing particles from clumping together during the chemical processes that convert a fuel source to electricity. The two Brown University researchers found a way to overcome those challenges.
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Researchers Show Carbon Nanostructures Can Function as Catalysts for Solid-State Hydrogen Storage
March 15, 2009
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| Screening study results of NaAlH4/carbon mixtures. Sample key: (a) 8 nm CNT, (b) 10-20 nm CNT, (c) 10-20 nm CNT with 4 mol % Ti, (d) 50 nm CNT, (e) graphite, (f) C60[1] (g) C60[2] (h) C60[3], (i) control no carbon, ball mill 4 mol % TiCl3, and (j) control no carbon or Ti. Two pressures used for the rehydriding step (which affects the amount of hydrogen desorbed in the second cycle) are highlighted by color: high pressure experiments are blue; lower pressure experiments are red. Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers from the US and Sweden have shown that carbon nanostructures (fullerenes, nanotubes, and graphene) can be used as catalysts for hydrogen uptake and release in complex metal hydrides such as sodium alanate (NaAlH4) and also developed what they characterize as an “unambiguous understanding” of how such catalysts work.
The researchers from Savannah River National Laboratory and Virginia Commonwealth University in the US and Uppsala University and the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden set out to understand the mechanism behind the catalytic effects of carbon nanomaterials, specifically on the example of sodium alanate, which is a popular material for hydrogen storage studies. The results of their work, which combined experimental and theoretical efforts, were published online 3 March in the ACS journal Nano Letters.
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New Nano-sized Photocatalyst for Artificial Photosynthesis; Step Toward Production of Carbon-Neutral Transportation Fuels
March 13, 2009
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| Under the fuel through artificial photosynthesis scenario, nanotubes embedded within a membrane would act like green leaves, using incident solar radiation (Hν) to split water molecules (H2O), freeing up electrons and oxygen (O2) that then react with carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce a fuel, shown here as methanol (CH3OH). Credit: Flavio Robles, Berkeley Lab Public Affairs. Click to enlarge. |
Artificial photosynthesis for the production of liquid fuels is a potential source for renewable and carbon-neutral of transportation energy. The basic concept is to integrate light-harvesting systems that can capture solar photons and catalytic systems that can oxidize water, then to combine this water oxidation half reaction with a carbon dioxide reduction step in an artificial-leaf type system to produce a liquid hydrocarbon, such as methanol (CH3OH), that can be stored, transported, and used for transportation or other applications.
Researchers with the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have now found that nano-sized crystals of cobalt oxide can effectively carry out the critical photosynthetic reaction of splitting water molecules. Heinz Frei, a chemist with Berkeley Lab’s Physical Biosciences Division, and his postdoctoral fellow Feng Jiao reported the results of their study in the journal Angewandte Chemie, in a paper entitled: “Nanostructured Cobalt Oxide Clusters in Mesoporous Silica as Efficient Oxygen-Evolving Catalysts.”
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New Method Produces Longest Platinum Nanowires Yet; Implications for Increased Fuel Cell Longevity and Efficiency
March 11, 2009
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| Electron microscope view of platinum nanowires with beads (left) and without beads (right). Credit: University of Rochester. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at the University of Rochester (New York) have developed an electrospinning method to produce the longest platinum nanowires with minimal bead formation yet made—an advance that could significantly enhance the longevity and efficiency of fuel cells.
The platinum nanowires produced by Professor James C. M. Li and his graduate student Jianglan Shui are roughly ten nanometers in diameter and also centimeters in length—long enough to create the first self-supporting web of pure platinum that can serve as an electrode in a fuel cell. A report on their work is published in the 11 March issue of ACS journal Nano Letters.
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Shell and Codexis Expand Collaboration to Hasten Commercialization of Iogen Cellulosic Ethanol Process; Work on Biohydrocarbons Continues
March 10, 2009
Royal Dutch Shell plc and Codexis, Inc. have expanded their collaboration to develop better biocatalysts that could accelerate commercialization of next-generation biofuels. Shell also increased its equity stake in Codexis and will take an additional seat on the company’s board.
As part of the agreement, Codexis will work closely with Shell and Iogen Energy Corporation to enhance the efficiency of biocatalysts used in the Iogen cellulosic ethanol production process. The Iogen demonstration plant in Ottawa, Canada currently produces hundreds of thousands of liters of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residue, such as wheat straw. In 2008, Shell increased its stake in Iogen to 50%. (Earlier post.)
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Iowa State Researchers Developing New Thermochemical System for Ethanol Production from Biomass
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing a new thermochemical system for the coproduction of ethanol and thermal energy, based on a new low-emissions burner and a new catalyst for ethanol production. Both technologies will use the synthesis gas—a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen—produced by the gasification of discarded seed corn, switchgrass, wood chips and other biomass.
The burner will be designed to efficiently and cleanly burn biomass-derived syngas; the catalyst will be designed to convert the syngas directly into ethanol. The project is supported by a two-year, $2.37 million grant from the Iowa Power Fund, a state program to advance energy innovation and independence. The grant award carries a $922,112 committed match.
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Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotube Arrays Perform Better Than Platinum as Fuel Cell Catalysts
February 06, 2009
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| CO-poison effect on the i-t chronoamperometric response for Pt-C/GC and VA-NCNT/GC electrodes. The arrow indicates the addition of 55 mL/min CO gas into the 550 mL/min O2 flow. The mixture gas of ~9% CO (volume/volume) was then introduced into the electrochemical cell. From Gong et al. (2009) Click to enlarge. |
A team of researchers led by Liming Dai at the University of Dayton, Ohio, has found that arrays of vertically aligned nitrogen-containing carbon nanotubes (VA-NCNTs) can act as a metal-free electrode with a much better electrocatalytic activity, long-term operation stability, insensitivity to CO poisoning and tolerance to crossover effect than platinum for oxygen reduction in alkaline fuel cells.
The ability to replace costly platinum with a much lower-cost carbon-based catalyst could lead to more efficient fuel cells that can be affordably mass-produced. A paper on the findings was published in the 6 Feb issue of the journal Science.
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Platinum-Free Fuel Cell Cathode Technology Achieves Performance Level Comparable to Conventional FCs
February 05, 2009
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| ACAL replaces the cathode in a conventional PEM fuel cell (left) with a liquid, non-precious metal catalyst system (right). Click to enlarge. |
ACAL Energy Ltd. has obtained peak power density figures from a development proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells using its platinum-free cathode technology (FlowCath, earlier post) that consistently exceed 570mW/cm2 since late December 2008.
This represents a new record power density level from a liquid platinum-free cathode system. Further improvements are expected in 2009, with an ultimate peak power density target of over 1W/cm2, according to the company.
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Tenneco and GE Transportation to Develop Hydrocarbon-SCR Technology for Diesel Emission Aftertreatment
February 04, 2009
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| Results from a 2007 GE study on HC-SCR showing %NOx conversion with 0 ppm H2, b) 1900 ppm H2. Whisenhunt et al. Click to enlarge. |
Tenneco Inc. and GE Transportation, a unit of General Electric Company will collaborate on the development and production of GE’s Hydrocarbon-Selective Catalytic Reduction catalyst technology (HC-SCR), a diesel aftertreatment system for reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions as effectively as urea-based SCR systems.
Tenneco, an industry leader in emission control technology and global supplier to many leading global automakers and commercial vehicle manufacturers, will work with GE to further develop and integrate the HC-SCR technology into complete aftertreatment systems for both the locomotive and off-highway vehicle markets. Once fully developed, the technology will also be offered to customers in the on-road, marine and stationary power markets.
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Researchers Develop Method for Higher-Rate Solar Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 and Water Vapor to Hydrocarbon Fuels
January 28, 2009
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| Product generation rates from a nitrogen-doped nanotube array film surface-loaded with both Pt and Cu catalysts. Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method for the more efficient solar conversion of carbon dioxide and water vapor to methane and other hydrocarbons using nitrogen-doped titania nanotube arrays. The arrays feature a wall thickness low enough to facilitate effective carrier transfer to the adsorbing species, and are surface-loaded with nanodimensional islands of co-catalysts platinum (Pt) and/or copper (Cu).
A paper on their work was published online 27 January in the ACS journal Nano Letters.
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New Catalyst Can Efficiently Oxidize Ethanol to CO2 at Room Temperature; Boost for Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells
January 26, 2009
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| Model of the electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation consisting of platinum-rhodium clusters on a surface of tin dioxide. Click to enlarge. |
A team of scientists at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Delaware and Yeshiva University, has developed a new ternary (Pt/Rh/SnO2) electrocatalyst that could make direct ethanol fuel cells feasible.
Consisting of platinum and rhodium deposited on carbon-supported tin dioxide nanoparticles, the new catalyst can split C–C bonds in ethanol at room temperature in acid solutions, facilitating its oxidation at low potentials to CO2—a capability which has not been achieved with existing catalysts, according to the researchers. A paper on the work was published online 25 January in the journal Nature Materials.
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Researchers Discover That Geometry of Al Clusters, Not Electronic Properties, Results in Water Splitting; New Way to Produce H2
January 23, 2009
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| Aluminum clusters reacting with water to produce H2. The bottom image shows a water molecule splitting on the surface of an Al17- cluster, the upper right image shows role of active sites on binding water, and the upper left image shows the release of H2. The orange and blue spheres indicate the paired active sites which cause reactivity. Image courtesy of A.C. Reber, VCU/PSU. Click to enlarge. |
Scientists at Penn State University and the Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered that the reactivity of aluminum cluster anions with water—which results in the dissociative chemisorption of water and the production of hydrogen—depends on the geometric structure of the cluster rather than its electronic properties. The findings are reported in the 23 January 2009 issue of the journal Science.
The researchers found that it is the geometries of aluminum clusters, rather than solely their electronic properties, that govern the proximity of the clusters’ exposed active sites. The proximity of the clusters’ exposed sites plays an important role in affecting the clusters’ reactions with water and the resulting production of hydrogen.
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Avantium and Royal Cosun to Develop Process for Production of Furanics Biofuels and Bioplastics from Ag Waste
January 21, 2009
Avantium, a high-throughput R&D company with core expertise in catalysis and crystallization, and Royal Cosun, an international group that develops, produces and sells natural foodstuffs and ingredients, are collaborating to develop a specific process for the production of a new generation of bioplastics and biofuels from selected organic waste streams.
Avantium is developing these bioplastics and biofuels under the name Furanics. Furanics are heteroaromatic compounds derived from the chemical intermediate HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural, C6H6O3). (Earlier post.)
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LLNL and Chevron Sign Fuel Production Catalysts Research Agreement
January 14, 2009
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has signed a research agreement with Chevron to develop the next generation of catalysts for production of cleaner, more efficient fuels from crude oil.
The research will focus on how catalytically active surfaces form and change on contact with feed molecules and, in particular, over time, how they are influenced by promoters and impurities.
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IBN Team Uses Imidazolium Salts in Catalyst System to Convert Sugars into HMF Biohydrocarbon Fuel Intermediate
December 12, 2008
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| The NHC-Cr catalytic system has produced the highest reported HMF yields yet from both fructose and glucose. Click to enlarge. |
Scientists at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) in Singapore have used imidazolium salts (IMSs) to develop a new efficient catalytic system for converting sugars into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a key intermediate compound that can be used to produce bio-derived hydrocarbon fuels. Commonly used as solvents for various organic reactions, imidazolium salts are room-temperature ionic liquids that are chemically stable and have low vapor pressure.
In a separate study, IBN researchers uncovered new redox properties of IMSs, which suggest that they could play an important role in disease prevention and treatment. A paper on the IMS-based catalytic system was published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition; a paper on the study of the redox properties of IMSs was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
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Mazda Introducing Mazda3 with Low Precious Metal Three-Way Catalyst
November 25, 2008
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| Mazda’s new catalyst structure. Click to enlarge. |
Mazda Motor Corporation will introduce the new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) 5-door hatchback at the Bologna Motor Show on 3 December. The introduction of the second generation Mazda3 5-door hatchback follows on the unveiling of the 4-door sedan version last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The gasoline-powered versions of the Mazda3 feature the first vehicle catalyst constructed with Mazda’s new catalyst structure for automotive exhaust systems that substantially reduces the amount of precious metals such as platinum and palladium that are required. (Earlier post.)
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Researchers Discover New Class of Catalysts for Olefin Metathesis Reaction
November 17, 2008
A team of scientists from Boston College and MIT have discovered a new class of highly efficient and enantioselective chemical catalysts that promote the olefin metathesis reaction with an “unprecedented” level of control, opening up a new platform to researchers in medicine, biology and materials. The new catalysts can be easily prepared and possess unique features never before utilized by chemists, according to findings from a team led by professors Amir Hoveyda of BC and Richard Schrock of MIT. A report on the team’s findings was published 16 November in the online edition of the journal Nature.
Richard R. Schrock shared the 2005 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Yves Chauvin and Robert H. Grubbs for the development of the metathesis method in organic synthesis.
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Nissan to Introduce New Ultra-Low Precious Metal Catalyst in the Cube
November 14, 2008
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| The new ultra-low precious metal catalyst. Click to enlarge. |
Nissan Motor Co. will introduce its ultra-low precious metal catalyst on the new Cube for the Japan market, to be launched on 19 November. The new catalyst utilizes half the amount of precious metals compared with conventional catalysts. (Earlier post.)
A high percentage of world’s reserves of platinum (50%) and rhodium (80%) are used in the automotive industry as catalysts. The standard three-way catalyst (TWC) device for emissions treatment consists of a mixture of platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh) and palladium (Pd).
