Research Project:
With the onset of climate change, researchers have been looking for an alternative to the Haber Bosch process to synthesize ammonia. Invented in 1913 the process uses 1-2% of the world’s energy and 3-5% of the world’s refined natural gas each year. Non-thermal plasma ammonia synthesis is one of these alternative methods. The most successful experiment, a ruthenium metal catalyst with an alumina support is still a magnitude below the efficiency of the Haber Bosch process. Boron nitride nanotubes have yet to be explored as a support structure for a transition metal catalyst. However, with a unique affinity to ammonia and other favorable properties this nanomaterial is an ideal candidate. From reviewing the literature of transition metal catalysts tested in electrocatalytic and non-thermal plasma ammonia synthesis experiments, a list of hypothetically high yield catalysts was created. Iron, molybdenum, nickel, and platinum being chosen from the list as the focus of this study. Boron nitride nanotubes underwent plasma surface modification to increase physisorption of the metal catalyst being pulsed laser ablated onto the surface. Followed by testing for reactivity with a hydrogen evolution reaction experiment and ammonia synthesis with a in house built non-thermal plasma reactor.
Start Date of Current Program: September 2019
Education:
- B. Sc. Nanoscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada (2014)
Work Experience:
- Technical Officer at National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Canada (2014-2019)
Scholarships/Funding:
- McGill Engineering Doctoral Award (MEDA)
