Real-Time Monitoring of Catalytic Surfaces for Petrochemical Synthesis Using a Mass/Heat Flow Sensor

72847S03-I Despite the immense economic importance of heterogeneous catalysis, no single analytical instrument exists for performing the simultaneous, real-time monitoring of both the rate of a catalytic reaction and the build-up of mass at the catalytic surface due to poisoning. The lack of such an instrument contributes to the continued use of inefficient catalysts at higher temperatures than necessary, thereby wasting energy. This project will develop this instrument, based on a sensitive mass/heat flow sensor, to improve the efficiency and the resistance to poisoning of catalysts used for chemical manufacturing and petroleum refining. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of using a quartz crystal, microbalance/heat conduction calorimeter to monitor both the catalytic reaction rate for the hydrogenation of cyclohexene and ethylene, and the poisoning of the catalyst due to mass build-up at temperatures of 130oC. Then, a new piezoelectric mass sensor and thermoelectric heat flow sensor materials will be evaluated to extend the measurements to temperatures up to 500oC. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: In addition to the application for heterogeneous catalysis, the technology should have application as a mass/heat flow sensor in the fields of coatings, paints and finishes, polymeric materials, characterization of biological films, and nanotechnology.