Nanostrucutred Catalysts for Olefin Conversion

78808S Nanostructured catalysts are a growing inventory of materials with designed shapes, surfaces, structures and pores, whose pores can provide activity and shape selectivity. Nanosized pores allow shape-selective chemistry to be carried out on molecules to large to fit inside zeolites, and the nanosized pores can anchor and contain organic and organometallic catalysts to the inside surfaces of the pores. One potential application of nanostructured catalysts is the production of better synthetic lubricants; where both molecular weight and the extent of branching control of the synthetic lubricants can be controlled. Better control over these properties will allow formulators to mix and match lubricants to get an optimal lubricant blend. To produce the improved synthetic lubricants, this project will prepare and test a new low-cost structured catalyst. Phase I will prepare, characterize, and test a catalyst for the oligomerization of 1-decene to poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs), and assess the potential of the new catalyst technology. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new structured catalysts should lead to the production of PAOs with more controlled properties. In turn, optimal blends can be designed yielding PAO based high-performance synthetic oils with better friction and wear characteristics, better operating temperature ranges, and better viscosity indices. Better PAO lubricants will lead to better gas mileage and longer service life in automotive engines, gas turbine engines, and other rotating equipment. Other benefits of advanced synthetic lubricants include the reduction of automotive gas consumption, improved startup in colder northern U.S. climates, and a reduced quantity of disposed oil.