Welcome to Transformations
Welcome to the first issue of Transformations, a publication of the Institute for Integrated Catalysis at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Chemical transformations are at the heart of energy production and use, and catalysis lies at the core of efficiently and effectively using our current energy sources, developing alternatives, and reducing environmental impacts. I joined PNNL's Institute for Integrated Catalysis (IIC) in 2011 because we have the people and capabilities at PNNL to make a difference in the world.
Our scientific goal is to understand how to design catalytic structures to control activity and selectivity, and then put this understanding to use. Our work and our collaboration with others include catalysis for upgrading biomass feedstocks; for chemical energy storage, retrieval, and use; and for emission control of fuel-efficient vehicles.
Please send your thoughts and suggestions to transformations@pnnl.gov.
Integration Key in Catalysis
More than 150 scientists contribute to PNNL's Institute for Integrated Catalysis research, with expertise ranging from theory and experimentation to fundamental and applied science, and to molecular and heterogeneous catalysis. The key to success is the integrated nature of all research teams, which ensures that every challenge is approached from divergent perspectives. Read more.
90 Seconds of Discovery
With more than 242 million registered motor vehicles on American highways, fossil fuels have provided a time-proven, energy-dense fuel for more than a century. However, the environmental cost of greenhouse emissions, fuel costs, and our growing dependence on imported petroleum represents significant global challenges. PNNL scientists discuss our energy infrastructure and one catalytic approach. Watch the video.
January 2013
Catalysis News & Research
Protons take the scenic route: PNNL scientists discovered that protons meander through the channels of an alternative fuel cell membrane, rather than take the direct route. This study has interesting implications for fuel cells. Read more.
Hydrogen: Fast and efficient: Modifying the design of a catalyst typically results in either faster or more energy efficient production – but not both. Scientists discovered a condition that creates hydrogen faster without a loss in efficiency. Read more.
Peden, Bullock named ACS Fellows: Chuck Peden and Morris Bullock were recognized for their outstanding scientific achievements. Read more.
Lercher selected for Chinese lectureship: Johannes Lercher has received the Zhang Dayu Lectureship from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Read more.
If you have feedback – ideas, suggestions or questions – about IIC's Transformations, please contact Kristin Manke or Mike Wasem.