News

Reshaping Catalysts Beyond the Conventional

The catalysis Gordon Research Conference is a much-anticipated biennial gathering of the community to discuss the frontiers in design and development of catalytic materials and processes. Amani Ebrahim briefly touches upon this year’s themes centered on enabling technologies for sustainable societies.

Dr. Susannah Scott Presents for the Science and Engineering Council of Santa Barbara

A New Way to Recycle Plastic: The Circular Carbon Approach

Dr. Scott recently presented for the Science and Engineering Council of Santa Barbara. To watch the presentation and learn more about the work we do in our group, please go to the following link:

https://youtu.be/UfY1QF2ANus?t=217

Catalytic Upcycling of Polyolefins: A Review

The Scott Group publishes a comprehensive Chemical Review on the Catalytic Upcycling of Polyolefins. 

Exploring Santa Barbara with the Scott Group!

The Scott Group goes to the Public Market in Santa Barbara for a bite to eat after their writing workshop :-)

Alumina–Titania Nanolaminate Condensers for Hot Programmable Catalysis

Abstract: 

Nanolaminates composed of thin alternating layers of Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ (ATO) were engineered by using atomic layer deposition as the dielectric material for a Pt-on-carbon catalytic condenser. Investigation assessed synthesis parameters including the deposition temperature, Al₂O₃ and TiO₂layer thicknesses, total number of layers, and a capping Al₂O₃ layer on the maximum charge accumulation in the Pt catalyst.

Enhancing Phenol Adsorption on Hydrophobic Pd/SiO2 to Achieve Faster and More Selective Hydrogenation

For more details and to read the paper, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-023-01851-2

Congratulations to Dr. Jiakai Sun and Dr. Garrett Strong on Your Successful Ph.D Defenses!

A big congratulations to Garrett and Jiakai on their Ph.D defenses!

Garrett will be taking a position at Dow Chemical Company and Jiakai at Zhejiang Research Institute of Chemical Industry.

Reimagining the Value of Single Use Plastics

Recent publication from the Scott Group demonstrates improvement in their innovative process that turns polyolefins into high-value alkylaromatics. 

In the original process of turning polyethylene into long chain alkylaromatics, the platinum on alumina catalyst was slow and the yield of products low. In the improved process, the speed and selectivity of the reaction is enhanced by increasing the acidity of the alumina via the addition of chlorine or fluorine.