Project Team and Abstract
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Project team: Yan Li, Assistant Professor of Engineering; Abhishek Singh, Postdoc; Ya Tang, Graduate Student; Andrew Kim and Jace Henry, Undergraduate Students
Catalysts are substances that can accelerate chemical reactions without consuming themselves. They play a crucial role in various industrial processes, including petrochemical refining, chemical synthesis, wastewater treatment, and CO2 capture and removal. Traditional catalysts (e.g., pellets) typically have mass and heat transfer limitations due to their inherent geometric constraints and material properties. While 3D printing of catalysts can address geometric constraints, it still requires optimization to ensure uniformity of material composition and structural integrity throughout the printed catalysts.
In this project, the team will work to optimize the architectural design and processing parameters of 3D printed catalysts, aiming to achieve a balance between efficient thermal transport while ensuring robust mechanical integrity. The team will collaborate with Oak Ridge National Lab (a Department of Energy lab) while leveraging Dartmouth expertise in material design and additive manufacturing to overcome obstacles in renewable energy adoption.