Chris Nicholas

Operando UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Insights into the Methane Dehydroaromatization Reaction over Mo/H-ZSM-5 Catalysts In this @JCatal_J article, we show that by combining operando UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy with chemometrics it is possible to disentangle and separately study the three reaction phases (i.e., activation, induction, and deactivation) of the methane dehydroaromatization reaction over a Mo/ZSM-5 catalyst material. More information: sciencedirect.com/science/ar… @UniUtrecht @ARCCBBC Paper in Memory of Sebastian Haben: This paper is dedicated to the memory of Sebastian Haben, who unexpectedly passed away during the final year of his PhD studies. He had a big heart and made a lasting impact on everyone he met. As an excellent young scientist, he was working on improving solid catalysts for methane dehydroaromatization using operando UV-Vis spectroscopy. Sebastian was the driving force of many initiatives both at Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis (ICC) group and the institute level - activities that were always motivated by his wish to help others. He was a strong advocate for Open Science, so by publishing his work, we hope this contribution can help further the field. Scientific Highlights: 1. Operando UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and chemometrics could distinguish the reaction phases of the methane dehydroaromatization process. 2. Upon activation in CO, the spectral component for the activation phase was removed. 3. During the active period, typical hydrocarbon pool intermediates could be observed. 4. Deactivation is governed by the built-up of polyaromatic coke species. 5. Catalyst preparation only impacts the dispersion of the molybdenum active phase, but not the spectral components. Abstract: Methane Dehydroaromatization (MDA) is proposed as a possible way to valorize stranded natural gas, e.g., arising during crude oil drilling. In this study, we used operando UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) in combination with Multivariate Curve Resolution Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) to distinguish the MDA reaction phases of activation, induction, and deactivation. We identified three spectral components, which describe these distinct reaction phases. When the catalyst was activated in CO, two spectral components alone sufficiently described the operando UV–Vis DRS data. We further found that the preparation method of the Mo/ZSM-5 catalyst has little influence on the observed spectral features. However, the different preparation methods impact the dispersion of Mo, resulting in faster deactivation for the catalyst with more Mo-clusters compared to the catalyst with a higher Mo dispersion. This study shows that operando UV–Vis DRS in combination with the MCR-ALS methodology is a powerful analytical tool to disentangle and study the three MDA reaction phases.

Catalysis Connected 2025 - "Shaping the Refinery of the Future" When: 16 & 17 April 2025 Where: Rotterdam, The Netherlands More information: catalysisconnected.nl/ Join us at Catalysis Connected, a two-day conference bringing together international experts in sustainable chemistry and chemical engineering. Some Background & History: Catalysis Connected is a conference series dedicated to exploring and advancing the field of catalysis. Launched in 2019, the conference provides a unique platform for researchers, industry professionals, and academics to share insights and foster multidisciplinary collaboration. Following our successful 2019 (Utrecht) and 2022 (Veldhoven) events, we are excited to announce that the next Catalysis Connected conference will take place on April 16 and 17, 2025, in Rotterdam. Join us to discuss sustainable technologies and practices that tackle global energy and environmental challenges, engage with top experts, and explore the future of catalysis. Stay connected with us for updates on the 2025 event and be part of the conversation shaping the future of catalysis! Partners: Catalysis Connected is a collaboration of four research partners: ARC CBBC, CAPTURE, MCEC, and the Joint Research Center (JRC) for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Together we form an international scientific research network to excel in catalysis science & technology.