March 8, 2022 Meeting: “Catalysts Can Be Good at Multi-tasking: Two Practical Examples”

Originally scheduled for January, Dr. Alba-Rubio, associate professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering presented a summary of the research she has been working on for the development of catalysts for the biomass industry.  Her presentation, “Catalysts Can Be Good at Multi-tasking: Two Practical Examples”, focused on CSSA as a catalyst in the development of dual-function materials for capture and conversion of CO2 into methanol and higher alcohols. Her current research, listed under the ALBARUBIO group at Clemson University, and funded, in part by a NSF grant, built upon prior studies and her post-doctoral works at the University of Wisconsin. In her discussion, she explained the necessity (benfeit) of integrating of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis processes.  In particular, the synthesis of inverse metal oxide-metal (CSSA-AlCl3) catalysts for the hydrogenation of CO2.   

The questions raised by the audience allowed for discussion other aspects related to long-term integration of the research into the manufacture of the processes.  We touched on the issue of ensuring that the production of methane gas resulted in fuel product without increasing emissions concerns from release of methane gas .  Student members asked questions specific to the research and helped initiate broader disscusions including the moral/ethical issues related to development of the widespread use of biomass technology for fuel use instead of food supply.  Senior members helped students to consider the research in context with with manufacture issues, e.g. easier to capture, store and transport methanol as a liquid than methane as a gas. All in all, the in-person set up at the university allowed for good interchange between student and senior members in the context of the presentation.

The meeting was held in Lecture Hall 100, Earle Hall at Clemson University.  The Tropical Grill meal was coordinated by Josh Chong, of the Clemson Universty student chapter of AIChE and dinner began at 6:15.  20 Clemson students and 4 senior engineers were in-person. The ZOOM (virtual) participants included one graduate student and 5 senior engineers (including 4 from the WSC Executive Committee: A.C. Ghionis, D.E. Gurney, J.L.Lindler and A. Wagle). Chair C.M.Walker led the meeting.  A.J.Jones introduced Dr. A. Alba-Rubio.

On-line parties were asked not to record the presentation, since research is still ongoing and some material is confidential.

Business was conducted at the start of the meeting (6:45 PM) which included a presentation of the financial update from Interim Treasurer, and past-chair Anil Wagle. 

The announcement was made that nominations for officer positions were opened and accepted by members of the executive committee, by emailing sec@wscaiche.org or by using the on-line form available on the website.

The presentation began about 5 minutes ahead of schedule and ended at 8:05 

Upcoming meeting dates were announced: April 12 (Tuesday) and May 12 (Thursday).

ZOOM Room Host that monitered the chat was the first place scholarship winner Julia Wood announced at the Feburary meeting.

Thank you to all parties in attendance, to the student chapter of AIChE and Clemson University for providing the facility for the evening.