(334l) Elucidating Structure-Function Relationships of Metal Oxides and Sulfides for Rational Catalyst Design

From shape memory polymers to heterogeneous catalysts, my research experiences in a wide array of areas highlight my passion for materials research. Through a combination of design, synthesis, and characterization, I elucidate structure-function relationships to provide fundamental insights for rational materials design. In particular, my PhD research focuses on studying metal oxides and sulfides as catalysts for light alkane dehydrogenation, which is an important route to produce olefins—a critical feedstock for many materials and chemicals. Using a combination of catalytic testing and spectroscopic tools in my study on a series of supported molybdenum oxides, I was able to draw correlations between the catalyst surface species, reducibility, and activity. Most notably, I found that while previous studies focused primarily on bulk and high loading molybdenum oxide materials, it is sub-monolayer molybdenum oxides that warrant further study as light alkane dehydrogenation catalysts with its superior catalytic stability under the harsh reaction conditions.

Throughout my PhD, I have developed extensive expertise in many areas, from reactor engineering to materials synthesis and characterization, which readily translate to applications beyond heterogeneous catalysis. Looking forward, it is my goal to leverage the skills I have honed and continue engineering new materials to drive innovation forward.