Thomas F Jaramillo
Stanford University, USA
Title: Design and development of catalyst materials for the production of fuels and chemicals in a sustainable manner
Biography
Biography: Thomas F Jaramillo
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: The vast majority of fuels and chemicals that are produced and consumed across the globe today are derived from fossil fuels: oil, coal, and natural gas. The long list includes conventional liquid fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, in addition to many other products such as plastics (e.g. polyethylene) and fertilizer (i.e. ammonia, NH3). Society has benefitted tremendously from the science and engineering efforts that have brought these crucial products to market at a global scale, however continuing to use fossil-based resources at such high rates could potentially lead to troubling consequences ahead. This motivates the development of new chemical processes to produce the same kinds of fuels and chemicals that we rely on, using renewable energy and sustainable feedstocks instead.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: We seek to employ solar and wind energy to power the production of fuels and chemicals in a sustainable manner, largely motivated by the dropping costs of renewable electricity, the growing penetration of renewables into energy markets, and the need for storing variable electricity.
Findings: Catalyst materials have been developed capable of driving important chemical transformations in a sustainable manner involving electricity. Specific examples include the production of hydrogen (H2), carbon-based products (e.g. hydrocarbons, alcohols), ammonia (NH3) fertilizer, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Conclusion & Significance: The development of catalysts with appropriate properties can serve as the basis of new, renewable pathways to produce the large-scale fuels and chemicals that could play a major role in reaching sustainability goals for the globe.
