Functional Porous Materials Lab
We aim to understand molecular interactions in various chemical systems, with a focus on heterogeneous interfaces, and use this knowledge to address energy and environmental challenges through material synthesis and chemical processes
On-going projects
We are currently working on the following two projects: 1) Microstructure control of zeolite separation membranes for hydrocarbon refinement and 2) Remanufacturing of RFCC catalysts
Microstructure control of zeolite MFI membranes
Zeolites, possessing well-defined, molecular-level pores, show molecular sieving properties that effectively exclude any molecules larger than their pore sizes. This can be utilized to fabricate highly-selective separation membranes. One example is zeolite MFI, of which pore dimensions are suitable for the separation of C4–C8 hydrocarbons. However, it is difficult to simultaneously control the structure and morphology of the materials (e.g., fabrication of ultra-thin zeolite MFI membranes without defective structure), and an effective membrane-fabrication method is required. Based on our ability to directly synthesize zeolite 2D materials, we aim to develop techniques for 1) a fine control of pore aperture size and 2) a facile fabrication method for large-area zeolite membranes.
Remanufacturing of RFCC catalysts
During RFCC operation, the catalysts need to be circulated to maintain their catalytic activities, which are deteriorated by coking, heavy-metal deposition, and zeolite structure collapse. The circulation of catalysts produces large amount of spent catalysts (e-cat). This research project aims to develop technique that recovers the catalytic activity of the spent RFCC catalysts. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will perform the restoration of zeolite Y crystal structures within spent RFCC catalysts.
FPM lab
