[CCoE Notice] Thesis Defense: Theoretical and Experimental Exploration of Transition Metals as Hydrogen Storage Materials with Catalytic Dehydrogenation Activity

[Grayson, Audrey A]

MS THESIS DEFENSE STUDENT: Quan Do
DATE: Thursday, April 28, 2016
TIME: 8:30 AM
PLACE: Mechanical Engineering Small Conference Room
DISSERTATION CHAIR: Dr. Lars Grabow
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TITLE:
Theoretical and Experimental Exploration of Transition Metals as Hydrogen Storage Materials with Catalytic Dehydrogenation Activity

            The direct conversion of readily-available methane, the majority component of natural gas, into useful chemicals is limited due to the molecule’s symmetry and strong C-H bonds. In this thesis, the direct upgrade of methane to desirable higher hydrocarbons is sought. Presently, the most studied upgrade method is the oxidative coupling of methane. However, this method has failed to yield an economically viable process because of poor carbon selectivities, which result from the over-oxidation of the CH3 intermediate into CO and CO2.To avoid over-oxidation, the use of hydride-forming metals is explored to catalytically cleave the C-H bond, abstract hydrogen, and form C2 species in the absence of oxygen. Theoretical and experimental results show that five early transition metals can form metal hydrides and activate the C-H bond of methane. The understanding gained through this thesis builds the foundation for future work on the utilization of metal hydrides in important reactions.
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