Electrocatalytic Phenomena

As materials are developed that are more conductive, and/or the fabrication of current materials results in thinner films, it is the heterogeneous kinetics at the materials surface that dominates the overall performance of the resultant device. The catalytic and electrocatalytic properties of these materials need to be studied and enhanced in order to minimize the electrode polarization of fuel cells and batteries, maximize the surface exchange coefficient of gas separation membranes, and enhance the signal and selectivity of electrochemical sensors. The research program will focus on the use of heterogeneous catalysis techniques, such as temperature programmed -desorption (TPD) and -reaction (TPR) and isotope exchange, combined with electrochemical techniques, such as transient polarization and impedance spectroscopy, to elucidate kinetic mechanisms on the surface of electrodes and membranes.

 

Selected Relevant Publications:

"Electrocatalytic Reduction of NO_x on La_1-xA_xB_1-yB'_yO_{3- d}; Evidence of Electrically Enhanced Activity," E. D. Wachsman, P. Jayaweera, G. Krishnan, and A. Sanjurjo, Solid State Ionics, 136-137, 775-82 (2000).

"Microwave-Assisted NO Reduction by Methane over Co-ZSM-5 Zeolites," Y. F. Chang, A. Sanjurjo, J. G. McCarty, G. N. Krishnan, B. Woods, and E. D. Wachsman,Catalysis Letters, 57:4, 187-191 (1999).

"Electrocatalytic Reduction and Selective Absorption of NO_x," E. D. Wachsman, P. Jayaweera, G. N. Krishnan, and A. Sanjurjo, Society of Automotive Engineers Technical Paper No. 982513, 1-6 (1998).

"Effect of Ru-Loading on the Catalytic Activity of Ru-NaZSM-5 Zeolites for Nitrous Oxide Decomposition," Y. F. Chang, J. G. McCarty, and E. D. Wachsman, Applied Catalysis B, 6, 21-23 (1995).

"Solid-Oxide Electrochemical Reduction and Selective Absorption of NO_x," E. D. Wachsman, P. Jayaweera, V. L. K. Wong, J. G. McCarty, and A. Sanjurjo, in Proceedings of the 1995 Diesel Engine Emissions Reduction Workshop, U.S. Department of Energy, 59-66 (1995).

"Isotopic Study of NO Decomposition over Cu- or Co-Exchanged ZSM-5 Zeolite Catalysts," Y. F. Chang, J. G. McCarty, E. D. Wachsman and V. L. K. Wong, in Proceedings of the 1995 Diesel Engine Emissions Reduction Workshop, U.S. Department of Energy, 25-38 (1995).

"Catalytic Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide Over Ru-Exchanged Zeolites," Y. F. Chang, J. G. McCarty, E. D. Wachsman, and V. L. Wong, Applied Catalysis B, 4, 283-299 (1994).

"Development of Higher Yield Processes for the Direct Oxidative Catalytic Conversion of Natural Gas," J. G. McCarty, E. D. Wachsman, V. Wong, and C. H. Becker, Proceedings of the International Gas Research Conference, (1992).