Hybrid bio-templated catalysts (PhD Dissertation)
This is Brian’s PhD dissertation wherein he genetically engineered the M13 bacteriophage to template ruthenium, nickel, and cerium oxide into a “nanowire” with the location of individual nanoparticles randomized due to the high binding energy to the M13 surface coat protein. After sintering to burn out remaining biological material, the resulting catalyst powder was tested for surface area (BET), particle size and stability (XRD), cerium oxide vacancy concentration (XPS), and tested in a custom built chemical reactor to evaluate the performance in converting ethanol to hydrogen gas with low levels of carbon monoxide.
He used modified PCA to analyze FTIR data, GC data was used in the reactor output, and independent hydrogen sensors were used to characterize the product stream. He also developed a novel cerium oxide synthesis method that allowed for easy size control of crystallite size — the presence of a strong oxidizer seems to passivate the surface earlier in the growth process.
