Computational catalysis hydrogen generation CO2 utilization
Dr. Ojus Mohan is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, working with Prof. Samir Mushrif on computational catalysis. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. His research interests include the rational design of efficient and thermodynamically stable catalytic materials, optimization of reactions, rapid screening of potential materials, and design of novel catalysts by employing state-of-the-art quantum mechanical simulations. During his Ph.D. he was invited to the University of Alberta as a Research Award Recipient to work as a student research fellow in the Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering.
Hydrogen generation via catalytic methane pyrolysis in molten media
Methane pyrolysis (CH4 (g)→C*(s)+H2 (g)) is a promising reaction for hydrogen generation without producing carbon dioxide. For reasonable conversion, a catalyst must be employed for this reaction. However, conventional solid catalysts are prone to deactivation due to carbon produced in the reaction. Interestingly, performing the reaction in a molten media would allow the carbon to float on the surface of the melt resulting in easy carbon removal. My study focuses on understanding the methane pyrolysis reaction in metal dispersed salt melt. To study the metal-salt system, quantum mechanical molecular dynamics simulations are performed using Car-Parrinello Molecular Dynamics (CPMD). The consequence of carbon diffusion in metal will be studied and catalyst modifications will be proposed.