Haoxiang Yan
In this research, advanced active, and robust catalyst materials for highly selective and precise metathesis of PE (LDPE, LLDPE, etc.), into a range of medium-sized alkanes (C6-C18) will be developed. Mechanistic insights in the functioning of the various dehydrogenation/hydrogenation, isomerization, and metathesis active sites will be obtained by spectroscopy and microscopy for important structure-performance relationships guiding further catalyst materials design. Each of the different active sites will be optimized towards optimal conversion, and sufficient stability towards poisoning. The latter aspect will not only lead to formulation of catalyst powders commonly used in research for PE conversion into alkanes, but also in the synthesis and design of real-life catalyst bodies, enabling the conversion of real-life PE containing various contaminants and impurities within reactors.