U.S.-Bulgaria Cooperative Research on the Catalytic Steps ofMethane Dimerization

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The primary objective of this U.S.-Bulgaria cooperative research project is to study the dimerization process of converting methane, an abundant natural product, into more complex and valuable hydrocarbon compounds such as ethylene and acetylene using direct conversion. Such a process could prove to be less expensive than current methods. The U.S. investigator, Dr. Alvin Weiss of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, has considerable research experience in the closely related process of cyclic butane dehydrogenation. The Bulgarian side, under the direction of Dr. N. Davidova of the Institute of Kinetics and Catalysis of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, will be responsible for catalyst preparation and characterization and will also contribute its specialized expertise in the relatively new ENDOR analytic technique. This project fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Bulgaria to combine complementary talents, pool resources, and share research facilities in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.