Linxiao Chen awarded $328k NSF grant for sustainability and catalysis research

Dr. Linxiao Chen, assistant professor of chemical, biomolecular and corrosion engineering, was recently awarded $328k from the National Science Foundation (NSF) CBET-Catalysis Program.

Chen received this funding for his research project titled 'Leveraging Epitaxial Growth to Deconvolute Particle Size and Density Effects in Thermal Catalysis,' which aims to develop a new general method to study which catalyst structure leads to the desired performance in breaking down polyolefin-based plastics (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene) into smaller molecules that can be used as building blocks for either the remanufacture of polymeric materials or the production of commodity chemicals.

Specifically, this method, inspired by the epitaxial growth of semiconductors, allows Chen to change the structural parameters of catalysts one at a time while keeping others constant, a task that is very challenging to achieve. The project will use this method to investigate the reaction of polyolefin hydrogenolysis, an important reaction for converting single-use plastic waste into value-added products, thereby alleviating environmental threats and promoting the circular utilization of petroleum resources.

"I am extremely grateful to be awarded my first NSF grant which will significantly boost the development of my research lab and career," said Chen. "The project closely reflects the core values of our research group: using interdisciplinary, collaborative research approaches to solve challenges associated with sustainability and to understand the science behind catalytic processes. It is also a great vehicle to promote sustainability in the local polymer industry among students and the public."

This study will guide the design of more efficient catalysts for this and many other important processes. The work will be conducted with the generous support of Dr. James Eagan’s research group in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, along with external collaborators from Argonne National Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Connecticut and Lehigh University.

"It is an impressive achievement for Linxiao to secure both an NSF grant and a CenTiRe grant in just his second year, showcasing his exceptional vision and the significant impact of his work in the field of catalysis," shared Dr. Jie Zheng, professor and chair of chemical, biomolecular and corrosion engineering.

Dr. Chen received his B.S. in Chemistry from Peking University in 2014 and his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Indiana University in 2019. Before joining The University of Akron in 2023, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Cross-trained as a chemist and chemical engineer, Chen's research focuses on deciphering catalysis science through interdisciplinary methods. His group employs spectroscopic and kinetic techniques to understand catalyst structure-function relationships and reaction mechanisms, designs catalytic materials and processes based on fundamental principles, and develops novel methods for the precise synthesis and advanced characterization of nanomaterials.

RELATED CONTENT:

• Learn more about Dr. Linxiao Chen's research.
• Explore our programs in Chemical, Biomolecular and Corrosion Engineering at UA.

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Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.