MLEF Research Associate Julia Lauterbach
Mickey Leland research associate Julia Lauterbach working in the lab with mentor Candice Ellison. Julia is working with the Energy Conversion Engineering Division at NETL studying Engineering/Environmental Science. Her project is the development of Microwave-specific Catalysts for Methane Pyrolysis. This project will study the impact of specific physical properties of solid oxide catalysts on their conversion efficiency
of methane to hydrogen and solid carbon products via microwave-enhanced methane pyrolysis. Specifically,
complex metal oxides with an AxByOz formula will be synthesized in the lab with varied concentrations of transition
metal substitutions. The materials made will be characterized for microwave-specific properties (i.e. dielectric,
magnetic) before being tested in the reaction. A potential correlation of these properties to the reaction and
product selectivity will be explored.
The participant will learn about alternative energy sources, like RF fields and microwaves, and how the properties of
various materials impact their interaction with the electromagnetic fields. Further, they will learn how to prepare
and characterize these materials to develop a correlation between synthesis method and microwave-related
properties. Finally, they will have opportunities to develop their written and spoken communication skills about
their findings to other researchers.
MLEF Research Associate Julia Lauterbach
Mickey Leland research associate Julia Lauterbach working in the lab with mentor Candice Ellison. Julia is working with the Energy Conversion Engineering Division at NETL studying Engineering/Environmental Science. Her project is the development of Microwave-specific Catalysts for Methane Pyrolysis. This project will study the impact of specific physical properties of solid oxide catalysts on their conversion efficiency
of methane to hydrogen and solid carbon products via microwave-enhanced methane pyrolysis. Specifically,
complex metal oxides with an AxByOz formula will be synthesized in the lab with varied concentrations of transition
metal substitutions. The materials made will be characterized for microwave-specific properties (i.e. dielectric,
magnetic) before being tested in the reaction. A potential correlation of these properties to the reaction and
product selectivity will be explored.
The participant will learn about alternative energy sources, like RF fields and microwaves, and how the properties of
various materials impact their interaction with the electromagnetic fields. Further, they will learn how to prepare
and characterize these materials to develop a correlation between synthesis method and microwave-related
properties. Finally, they will have opportunities to develop their written and spoken communication skills about
their findings to other researchers.