Controlling selectivity in heterogeneous catalysis with organic monolayers
Speaker: Prof. Will Medlin (Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering of the University of Colorado)
Abstract
Performing selective reactions of chemical feedstocks with multiple functional groups is important in many chemical processes. One approach to controlling selectivity in heterogeneous catalysis is by aligning multifunctional molecules above metal surfaces in specific configurations. Our group has modified solid catalysts with organic ligands such as organothiols that form organized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Several mechanisms by which SAMs can improve selectivity have been identified, ranging from alteration of surface site properties to control of non-covalent interactions in the near-surface environment. The utility of these mechanisms for selectivity control will be illustrated for reactions important in biorefining and in chemicals production.
Venue: Science Park 904, room D1.113
Contact
-
prof. dr. G. Rothenberg
G.Rothenberg@uva.nl | T: 0205256963
Go to detailpage
This lecture is sponsored by the John van Geuns Foundation.