Date of Completion

7-3-2017

Embargo Period

6-30-2022

Keywords

Catalysis, Mesoporous, Manganese Oxides, Sodium Tungsten Bronze, Thin Films

Major Advisor

Steven L. Suib

Associate Advisor

Alfredo Angeles-Boza

Associate Advisor

Ashis K. Basu

Associate Advisor

Jose A. Gascon

Associate Advisor

Fatma Selampinar

Field of Study

Chemistry

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Open Access

Campus Access

Abstract

The research presented here is focused on design, synthesis, and characterization of transition metal oxides for catalytic and energy applications. The first part is devoted to discuss catalytic applications of mesoporous manganese oxides and the second part is devoted to discuss novel solvent driven synthesis of sodium tungsten bronze nanomaterials for energy applications.

From the standpoint of green chemistry, the investigation of simple, low cost, stable, environmentally friendly, and potentially active materials for complete oxidation reactions at low temperatures is highly desirable. In recent years, green chemical approaches have become an integrated part of daily life and implementation of this modern discipline led to momentous ecological benefits, innovations and a strengthened economy. My research is devoted to investigate potential materials in oxidative catalysts that resonate with the concepts in green chemistry. The first part of this thesis will discuss the importance of catalytic oxidation reactions, synthesis, and characterization of the mesoporous manganese oxide materials and their applications in a series of complete oxidation reactions. The projected decline in fossil fuels and growing global energy consumption demands alternatives for petroleum feedstock and sustainable conversion processes for energy production. Thus, applicability of mesoporous manganese oxides on complete catalytic oxidation of methane has been discussed. Secondly, complete catalytic oxidation of diesel particulate matter (DPM) which is an unsolicited byproduct emitted by diesel exhaust engines is discussed.

In the second part of this thesis, design of novel, solvent driven in situ synthesis method of sodium tungsten bronze is discussed. Tungsten bronzes are well defined, unique class of non-stoichiometric compounds with exclusive characteristic properties. They have attracted much attention in the past few decades due to their wide variety of crystal structures and interesting electro-optic, photochromic, and super-conducting properties However, the synthesis of cubic sodium tungsten bronze nanomaterials with high conductivity is not much reported due to the limitations of high temperature synthetic approaches.

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