Theme D
Lead: Graham Hutchings
“How do molecules react on Single Metal Atoms (SMAs)/Metal NanoClusters (MNCs)?
We harness the activity and selectivity of SMAs/MNCs as tuneable catalysts on various surfaces under different conditions, activated by heat, light or electric potential, aiming to surpass the properties of currently known catalysts. Our focus is on two classes of reactions – carbon dioxide utilisation and ‘green’ ammonia synthesis – both critically important for zero-emission economy.”
Researchers
Hiba is undertaking a PhD as part of the Atoms-2-Products CDT as part of the Alves Fernandes group. Her research involves modelling of metal-gas and metal-support interactions, and catalyst synthesising and testing.
Richard has begun a PhD in Chemical Engineering at Birmingham. His work focusses on characterising the electrochemical properties of MASI catalysts for a range of chemical reactions including hydrogen production.
Dr Ruba Hendi is a member of the Rees group at Birmingham. Her research involves the application of SMA/MNCs for the oxygen reduction reaction, ammonia oxidation reaction and other value-adding chemical processes.
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Pekka has joined MASI as part of the Lanterna group, as well as being a member of the Atoms-2-Products CDT. His main focus is on MOF synthesis and subsequent SMA/MNC deposition, with a goal of utilisation in photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide.
Rich is member of the Hutchings group, part of the Cardiff Catalysis Institute. His main goal within MASI is the utilisation of SMA/MNCs to achieve the controlled oxidation of methane to methanol.
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Ethan is studying for a PhD as part of the Khlobystov group. His project involves the the preparation and synthesis of nanomaterials, for subsequent deposition of SMA/MNCs with an end goal of the reduction of carbon dioxide to methanol.
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Louise joins MASI as a member of the Hutchings group at Cardiff. Her focus is on the characterisation of catalysts for carbon dioxide hydrogenation through thermal catalysis.
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Dr Madasamy Thangamuthu
UoN
Madasamy has experience in working in a number of labs around the world on a range of heterogeneous catalysis reactions. He is investigating carbon dioxide hydrogenation utilising photoelectrochemistry, and water electrolysis using electrochemistry.
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Andreas runs the thermal catalysis lab at Nottingham as part of the Alves Fernandes group. His role within MASI is to develop and characterise new SMA/MNC catalysts for the production of ammonia.
Ben is studying for a PhD at Nottingham as a member of the Alves Fernandes group. His project involves the fabrication and characterisation of SMA/MNC based catalysts for the decomposition of ammonia.