CAREER: A Bio-Inspired Approach to Engineer Zeolite Catalysts

摘要编号1151098 P.I.：在沸石催化剂设计中，定制具有可预测结构结果的沸石结晶是一个挑战，其中很少有合成方法能够系统和精确地操纵材料性质。开发简单、廉价的路线来精确控制晶体习性（即形态和取向）可以解决设计限制，这些限制通常使催化剂性能边缘化并可能阻碍其商业可行性。休斯顿大学的Jeffrey Rimer教授在他的CAREER奖研究中提出，开发一种合理的设计策略来改善沸石催化剂的传质性能，特别是减少内部孔扩散路径长度和增加外部孔表面积，这可以显着提高活性和稳定性。有了这个奖项，Rimer将利用晶体工程和表面科学的研究推力，在界面水平上定制沸石结晶，使用生物启发的方法来调整晶体习性和表面结构，并最终测试催化剂活性作为这些变量的函数。这种设计方法通过使用具有分子识别的改性剂结合到特定表面并介导晶面上的台阶生长来模拟自然界中的结晶。该奖项将重点关注模型化合物的反应，并建立一个综合平台，为替代能源应用设计，建模和测试沸石。该奖项将用于加强K-12，本科和研究生水平的推广活动，以促进工程教育和研究。里默已与KIPP休斯顿高中（少数民族机构在全国大学准备排名第16位）合作，在休斯顿大学建立学生和教师（NSF-RET）研究的动态计划，为KIPP AP化学学生提供工程主题的客座讲座，整合里默研究成果的课程计划，以及促进对STEM兴趣增加的年度研讨会。

Abstract#1151098P.I.: Jeffrey RimerTailoring crystallization of zeolites with predictable structural outcomes is a challenge in zeolite catalyst design, wherein few synthetic approaches are amenable to systematic and precise manipulation of material properties. Developing facile, inexpensive routes to precisely control crystal habit (i.e. morphology and orientation) can address design limitations that often marginalize catalyst performance and can hinder their commercial viability. Prof. Jeffrey Rimer of the University of Houston proposes in his CAREER award study to develop a rational design strategy for improving the mass transport properties of zeolite catalysts, notably a reduction in the internal pore diffusion path length and an increase in the exterior pore surface area, which are known to markedly improve activity and stability. With this award, Rimer will leverage research thrusts in crystal engineering and surface science to tailor zeolite crystallization at an interfacial level, using a bio-inspired approach to tune crystal habit and surface architecture, and ultimately to test catalyst activity as a function of these variables. This design approach mimics crystallization in nature by using modifiers with molecular recognition for binding to specific surfaces and mediating step growth on crystal faces. Initiatives will focus on reactions of model compounds with a long-term trajectory of establishing a comprehensive platform to design, model, and test zeolites for alternative energy applications.This award will be used to strengthen outreach initiatives at the K-12, undergraduate, and graduate levels to promote engineering education and research. Rimer has partnered with KIPP Houston High School (a minority institution ranked 16th in national college readiness) to establish a dynamic program for student and teacher (NSF-RET) research at the University of Houston, guest lectures on engineering topics to KIPP AP Chemistry students, lesson plans that integrate results of Rimer's research, and an annual seminar to promote increased interest in STEM.