Description:

Center for Catalysis and Surface Science (CCSS) Student Seminar Series

Friday, January 23, 2025 | 12-1pm CT
Ryan Hall, 4003 | 2190 Campus Drive

Join the Center for Catalysis and Surface Science (CCSS) for the Student Seminar Series. Hear from graduate students and postdoctoral scholars during two presentations. This month's speakers are Seryeong Lee from the Farha group and Isha Sura from the Lopez group.

About the Presentations

Speaker: Seryeong Lee 

Title: "Probing the Influence of Lewis Acidity on Ru-based Catalysts for Butene Isomerization"

Abstract: 

The selective conversion of hydrocarbons into higher-value fuels and feedstocks is essential to the global energy and chemistry landscape. Alkenes are fundamental building blocks in chemical industries, serving as the precursors in the production of polymers, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals. One synthetic pathway to different alkenes is isomerization. However, controlling the enantioselectivity of the double bond during isomerization reactions remains a challenge. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising platform to precisely control active-site environments and interrogate structure–function relationships due to their crystallinity, tunability, and porosity. This study uses Zr-NU-1000 with sulfate and tungstate to interrogate the influence of acidity on Ru for 1-butene isomerization. Results from this work will be used to inform structure-activity relationships of MOF node structure for isomerization.

Speaker: Isha Sura

Title: "A Rapid Chemical Lithiation Method for the Direct Recycling of Li1Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2 (NMC532) Cathode Active Material"

Abstract:

The strong demand for lithium-ion batteries is paralleled by the increasing battery waste associated with the end-of-life stage of EVs. Current metallurgy-based battery recovery methods are inefficient due to high energy inputs, extensive downstream waste management requirements, and the overall loss of remaining embedded value in spent cathode active material. Here we introduce a more sustainable, direct recycling method for the regeneration of spent Li1Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2 (NMC532) battery cathode active material via the novel application of a solvated electron solution. Featuring a spontaneous reduction and relithiation mechanism at mild reactions conditions, this method produces fully recovered NMC with restored crystallinity and pristine electrochemical performance, with negligible waste product. This work will inspire future studies for sustainable recycling of retired LIBs. 

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The mission of the Center for Catalysis and Surface Science (CCSS) is to promote interdisciplinary research fundamental to the discovery, synthesis, and understanding of catalysts and catalytic reactions essential to modern society. As a part of the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy, CCSS applies fundamental advances in catalysis science towards applications in alternative fuels, abatement of harmful emissions, resource recovery concepts, new processing routes, and many other strategies towards making chemicals more sustainable.