CBE Special Seminar: Dr. Zili Wu

Fundamental Understanding of Catalytic Hydrogen Production and Utilization through New Materials and Characterization Tools

Abstract

There have been renewed research interests in hydrogen economy in the light of net zero as hydrogen holds significant promise for the decarbonization of the chemical industry and transportation sectors among many others. Catalysis science is essential for the production of hydrogen via various routes and the efficient utilization of hydrogen. In this talk, I will show how the use of both new materials and characterization tools may help to understand the fundamental mechanisms of catalytic reactions and structures involving hydrogen generation and utilization. Specifically, I will show how to build structure-catalysis relationship in hydrogen production through water-gas shift, and how to understand the structural dynamics and reaction pathways in the hydrogenation of N2 (ammonia synthesis) and CO2 (methanol synthesis) over hydride-based materials. The use of neutron scattering will be particularly highlighted for its unique insights into catalysis including surface species, catalytic structure and reaction mechanisms.

Bio

Dr. Wu is being hosted by Dr. Fanxing Li for this informational seminar. Dr. Wu is visiting NC State from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) where he is currently the leader of the Surface Chemistry and Catalysis Group at Chemical Science Division. View his research website here: https://www.ornl.gov/division/csd/surface-chemistry