(4kq) Forced Dynamic Operation of Chemical Reactors for Carbon Management and Process Intensification

Catalysis is a key technology employed in the production of numerous high demand chemical products ranging from plastics such as polyethylene to small molecules like ammonia. Most conventional processes rely on steady state operation (SSO) to produce these desirable products. However, alternative reactor designs and modes of operation have been shown to enhance productivity and selectivity beyond those achievable via conventional SSO. On such method, forced dynamic operation (FDO) involves the application of a time dependent periodic perturbation to one or more operating parameters such as concentration, flow rate and temperature. While FDO may enhance these processes, there remains a lack of understanding behind the criteria for dynamic enhancement beyond SSO. To investigate these questions, my research group would utilize a combination of experiments and modeling to develop a better understand of how and when FDO should be utilized to improve traditional and emerging chemical processes. These studies would analyze the effects of FDO from the molecular to reactor scale through detailed characterization and reaction studies which will be used to construct models. These models can be further used to determine optimal dynamic operating parameters such as frequencies, amplitudes, phase shifts, averages, and duty cycles.

I believe that my research experience throughout my B.S. and Ph.D. have thoroughly prepared me to tackle these complex and enthralling scientific questions. During my B.S., at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) I worked under Professor Phillip Christopher where I utilized Fourier Transform Infrared and Raman Spectroscopies to characterize bifunctional Rh-W catalysts. Spectroscopic characterization is a powerful technique given its superior time resolution making it ideal for analysis of transient catalysis. Furthermore, during my B.S. I had the pleasure of working for Reaction35 LLC, a local startup company where I studied liquid phase hydrogen bromide recycling at the lab and industrial scale. These projects inspired my graduate research under Professors Michael Harold and Praveen Bollini at the University of Houston where I explored catalysts beyond the molecular level in non-steady state reactors. During my Ph.D., I studied the use of dynamic operation to enhance ethylene yields during ethane oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH). My research investigated methods to exploit different oxygen species, kinetics, and mass transport within metal oxide catalysts during non-steady operation of chemical reactors that enhanced ethylene selectivities. These studies used a combination of mathematics, experiments, and modeling to understand and optimize ethylene yields during ODH even achieving values beyond the steady state optimum for industrially sized catalyst pellets. These projects have motivated me to continue my passion for dynamic catalysis as future research would like to explore FDO of other novel catalytic processes ranging from plasma catalysis, autothermal, and electrified reactors.

Teaching Interests:

Throughout my B.S., at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), I was worked as an educator in the 5^th grade chemistry outreach program and the high school college link outreach program (CLOP) where I had the privilege of teaching chemistry to visiting elementary and high school students from underprivileged areas for 3 years. For which, I was awarded the University Award of Distinction in 2020. I continued to pursue my interest in teaching during my Ph.D. at the University of Houston where I served as a teaching assistant in the graduate reactor engineering course and undergraduate chemical engineering laboratory course. These experiences have motivated my teaching interests as I would be excited to teach core undergraduate courses including but not limited to chemistry, mathematics, numerical methods, and reactor engineering. Additionally, I am interested in organizing and teaching graduate electives on complex reactor design (non-steady state, membrane, etc.) and advanced numerical methods.