Innovative Selective Nanocatalysts in Hydrocarbon RBCC Systems

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) and Purdue University (PU) propose to synthesize, characterize, and investigate the efficiency, reactivity, and selectivity of new nanocatalysts in hydrocarbon fuel liquid for RBCC applications. The nanocatalysts will have higher surface area/volume compared to conventional microcatalysts and films, thereby leading to faster reaction rates. Decreased coking will occur with use of these innovative proposed catalysts. The reaction product distribution and efficiencies of the nanocatalysts will be obtained by use of standard chromatography methods. The reaction mechanism and kinetic processes will be modeled. In the Phase II program, new nanocatalysts will be synthesized, characterized, and tested. Long-term catalytic reactivity will be optimized.