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High Resolution Electron Microscopy Study of Chlorinated gamma-Al2O3


EMSL Project ID
48626

Abstract

Chlorination profoundly alters the surface chemistry of gamma-alumina, and consequently its catalytic properties. Such materials are of high interest in energy conversion, notably hydrocarbon transformations including metathesis of seed oil-derived olefins used in the manufacture of biofuels. A dramatic enhancement in Lewis acidity and a loss of Brønsted acidity have been noted, but the structural changes that underlie these changes remain largely unknown. We will use high resolution transmission electron microscopy and a model transition alumina chlorinated using a variety of procedures to relate the structural consequences of chlorination to phase transitions and preferential surface modifications. Environmental studies will be performed in the presence of model hydrocarbon substrates in order to probe their effect on facet stability.

Project Details

Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2015-01-15
End Date
2015-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Susannah Scott
Institution
University of California, Santa Barbara

Team Members

Alessandro Gallo
Institution
Stanford Linear Accelerator Center