Chemical and Biological Engineering
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James A. Dumesic

James A. Dumesic

James A. Dumesic
Steenbock Professor and Michel Boudart Professor

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  • Contact Information

    3014 Engineering Hall
    1415 Engineering Drive
    Madison, WI 53706
    Tel: 608/262-1095
    Fax: 608/262-5434
    E-mail: dumesic@engr.wisc.edu

    Program Affiliations

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    Summary

    Our research group is currently working in the broad areas of heterogeneous catalysis and surface science. Particular emphasis is given to measuring surface properties under reaction conditions and relating these properties to catalyst performance. In addition, we use computational techniques such as quantum chemical calculations and chemical reactor simulations to help us identify new catalytic systems for study.

    Our experimental studies of heterogeneous catalysts typically begin with in situ determination of catalyst structure and surface properties. These characterization studies are conducted using a number of physical and chemical techniques. In this respect, we are currently using Mössbauer spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, temperature programmed desorption, and volumetric gas chemisorption measurements. Other techniques we use include X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. These physical and chemical measurements are accompanied by reaction kinetics measurements and isotopic tracing studies over a wide range of pressures.

    Microcalorimetric measurements of differential enthalpy changes of adsorption for reactive molecules on catalyst surfaces are an important part of our research. In these studies, we use in situ infrared spectroscopy to identify conditions for which we can obtain high surface coverages for specific adsorbed species; and, we then operate our microcalorimeters at these conditions. For example, we have facilities to measure differential heats at temperatures from 100 to 700 K. These studies provide insight into factors controlling surface chemical bond strengths on the catalyst. We also use the results from our microcalorimetric measurements to compare with predictions from ab initio quantum chemical calculations of the interactions of molecules with active site clusters, thereby allowing us to identify reactive intermediates and transition states involved in chemical reaction pathways.

    In addition, these measurements allow estimates to be obtained for standard entropy changes of adsorption, giving information about the mobility of adsorbed species on catalyst surfaces. The results of these surface thermodynamic studies provide a strong, quantitative basis for microkinetic analyses of reactive systems. Current work involves studies of supported metal catalysts, mixed metal oxides and zeolite catalysts. These efforts are currently being directed toward the development of environmentally benign chemical processes.




    Copyright 2010 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
    Date last modified: 01-Nov-2011
    Content by: dumesic@engr.wisc.edu
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