Research Findings to Contribute towards Study and Design of Longer-Lasting Catalysts听
A Khalifa University PhD researcher has successfully completed an internship focusing on sustainable hydrogen production at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Beijing.听听听听
The Materials Science and Engineering program researcher, Sara Al Khoori conducted her research under the mentorship of Dr. Chao Wang at the Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology (APM) at CAS. Additional mentorship and guidance were provided by Professor Jun XU, Head, Magnetic Resonance for Materials and Chemistry Division, CAS, and Prof. Kyriaki Polychronopoulou, Director, Center for Catalysis and Separation (CeCaS), Khalifa University.听听
Al Khoori’s research focused on acetone steam reforming, a process that converts acetone, a component of bio-oil, into hydrogen. This work uncovered crucial details about the underlying chemical reactions, leading to significant improvements in catalyst design for this vital step in sustainable hydrogen production.听听
Using advanced spectroscopic techniques including in-situ Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Al Khoori was able to watch hydrogen-producing reaction happen in real time. This helped her to analyze the chemical reactions and identify specific molecules, leading to more hydrogen production and less waste.听
Furthermore, her research identified why catalysts sometimes stop working, a problem called coking, contributing to the study and design of longer-lasting catalysts, making hydrogen production from bio-oil more cost-effective and sustainable in the long run.听
Prof. Kyriaki Polychronopoulou, said: 鈥淭his internship at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the research work at Khalifa University, where Sara Al Khoori completed her PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, exemplifies the power of international collaborations in addressing global energy challenges. Her success underscores the importance of providing opportunities for young researchers to contribute to critical global issues.鈥�
At Khalifa University, Al Khoori will use the skills she gained during the internship to study and further analyze catalyst performance during reactions.听
Alisha Roy鈥�听
Science Writer
30 October 2024
