Mesoporus Bimetallic Transition Metal Oxides as Solid Acid Catalysts--T/J Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 2150, 3850 Research Park Drive, Suite A, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-2150; (734) 213-1637
Dr. John M. Miller, Principal Investigator
Mr. Leslie H. Alexander, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82688
Amount: $75,000

Solid acid catalysts which exhibit shape selectivity and better thermal stability are desirable for more efficient catalysis of a wide variety of industrially important processes. This project will develop a new class of mesoporous bimetallic transition metal oxides for solid acid catalysts and superacid catalysts via a sol-gel based self-assembly process. A liquid crystalline templating agent will direct the formation of the atomically-dispersed bimetallic oxide to produce a structure with an ordered array of mesopores. Alkoxide precursor chemistries will be varied to accommodate the structure-directing assembly of the oxide around the template. Subsequent to crystallization and template removal by calcination, proof of concept experiments will be performed to demonstrate that these atomically-dispersed mesoporous materials posses a high density of acid sites based on two catalytic reactions.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: New catalyst materials are desired to improve the efficiency of petroleum refining processes. Increasing the selectivity towards higher value products will reduce cost and waste associated with downstream separation.