Title

Catalytic application of molecular sieves and effect of alloy catalyst on microbial growth

Date of Completion

January 2006

Keywords

Biology, Microbiology|Chemistry, Inorganic|Engineering, Chemical

Degree

Ph.D.

Abstract

This research consists of two major parts but both are related to the application of catalyst systems. The first part deals with application of manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieves (OMS) materials to styrene epoxidation and acidic mordenite for the synthesis of linear alkyl benzene (LAB). The properties of the OMS materials have been related to their performance for styrene oxidation. OMS-2 synthesized by reflux method showed highest conversion of styrene. Catalysts were also modified and their performance evaluated. In the case of linear alkyl benzene (LAB) synthesis, nano-sized acidic mordenite performed better compared to other commercially available catalysts. ^ The second part of the research deals with the study of the effect of an alloy catalyst in the bacterial activity in fuels. The objective of this study is to review the pattern of growth of two strains of bacteria Pseudomonas Oleovorans (ATCC 29347) and Rhodococcus Rhodocrous (ATCC 29672) in a specific hydrocarbon environment in the presence of alloy catalysts. If the bacterial growth can be inhibited then hydrocarbon spoilage may be controlled. The alloy catalysts that are used in this study are one of the commercially available forms that are used to reformulate or modify the structure of fuel molecules in order to enhance combustion. These catalysts used in this study have demonstrated the capability of suppressing bacterial growth. The alloy catalyst 1 is an alloy of tin, antimony, lead, and mercury, and all have shown to possess antimicrobial activities. Alloy catalyst 2 is an alloy of tin, antimony, lead, and bismuth. The relevance and the significance of the study lies in the fact that a fuel reformulation catalyst if capable of suppressing microorganisms would also add real value to fuel performance. ^

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