Jacob Weiner
Education: University of Buffalo
Thesis Topic/Title: Understanding Promoter Effects on Selective Propylene Epoxidation of Silver-Based Monolith Catalysts
Thesis Description: Propylene oxide (PO), an important precursor for a variety of industrial products, is currently produced by processes that yield a large volume of co-products, halogenated wastes or that use expensive oxidizing agents. New alternatives are under development and propylene epoxidation using oxygen on Ag-based catalysts is a promising process due to the lower costs associated to the use of oxygen as oxidizing agent (compared to H2O2) and to lower capital expenses to implement the process. Further improvements in PO selectivity are required to make this process a reality.
The addition of conjugated olefins, such as butadiene to the feed has also been reported to increase the epoxidation selectivity of allylic olefins. The objective of this work is to examine the synergistic interactions of cesium, copper, butadiene, and vinyl chloride on silver supported on α-alumina catalyst on the propylene epoxidation reaction.
Other fun facts or hobbies: Volleyball, basketball, and board games