(6hx) Heterogeneous Catalysis: Synthesis and Spectroscopy of Supported Metal Oxide Catalysts for Natural Gas Upgrading

My overarching goal is to understand the factors controlling reactivity and selectivity of supported transition metal oxide catalysts in the activation of light n-alkanes. I have extensively studied the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane on well-defined supported metal oxide catalysts (ACS Catalysis 2014). The thorough use of in situ Raman and UV-vis (Catal. Sci. Technol. 2012), as well as electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (ChemCatChem 2012 – J. Phys. Chem. C 2013) allowed me to complement the conclusions I gained from kinetic studies (Dalton Trans. 2013). Currently, I am synthesizing and characterizing a pool of supported metal oxide catalysts, aimed to find synergetic effects for industrially attractive reactions, followed by a fundamental understating of the kinetics, catalyst structure and reaction mechanism. Linking high quality research and mentoring is one of my strengths. For instance, recently I patented (several publications under preparation) a new method to disperse transition metal oxides on SiO₂. I also was awarded with the 2015 Mentor Award of the Chemistry department at UW Madison. In parallel, I am developing a new approach to run operando Raman spectroscopy for liquid phase reactions. As a faculty at one of the leading universities in the US, my research would focus on developing novel designs and synthesis of catalysts for more sustainable routes to important bulk and fine chemicals. For this, in situ spectroscopy will be one of my main pillars. My education and research experience in organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as chemical engineering give me the scientific and academic background to immediately teach courses in general, organic and inorganic chemistry, physicochemistry, spectroscopy, reaction engineering and catalysis.