Design of environmental friendly catalysts for the conversion of methanol into light olefins and synthetic fuels

Zeolites are the second largest class of industrial catalysts, and recent studies have pointed to a high potential for optimisation of such materials by a tailored synthesis approach. In this project, a rational approach will be taken to synthesise zeoli tes with tailored acidic properties and with a proper assembly of zeolite crystals (size and shape). We plan to use self-assembly techniques to vary the chemical composition, morphology and crystal orientation of medium-pore zeolites. A typical feedback loop approach (iteration process) will be used for the improvement of zeolite molecular and microscopic properties with respect to their catalytic activity in methanol conversion. The self-assembly of zeolite nanocrystals and in contrast the use of "gian t" crystals will serve as a basis to develop peculiar zeolite catalysts, and we therefore seek to convert methanol into valuable C2-C3 olefins. As part of the feed-back loop, direct exchange of information and ideas between the students working on synthe sis and testing of the materials is important. Therefore, we hereby apply for travel grants for one student from the Norwegian partner (this application) and one student from the French partner (parallel French application), so that each of them may spend one month in the partner laboratory. Funding for the actual work to be carried out is already at place in each laboratory.