C1 Chemistry for the Production of Ultra-Clean Transportation Fuels and Hydrogen

The Consortium for Fossil Fuel Science (CFFS) is a multi-university research consortium with participants from the University of Kentucky (UK), West Virginia University (WVU), the University of Pittsburgh (UP), the University of Utah (UU), and Auburn University (AU). The CFFS proposes to carry out a three-year research program focused on developing novel Cl chemistry processes for the production of ultra-clean transportation fuels and hydrogen, the transportation fuel of the future. The proposed research program will involve the efforts of 15 faculty members and at least a dozen postdoctoral research associates, approximately 15 graduate students, and a number of undergraduate students. Cl chemistry refers to processes that use feedstocks that consist of molecules containing one carbon atom [synthesis gas derived from coal (principally CO+H2), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and methanol (CH3OH)]. The proposed research is divided into three categories: 1. Fuels and chemicals:. Seven research tasks will focus on the development of novel processes to convert Cl feedstocks into ultra-clean liquid transportation fuels and high value chemicals that could be produced in a Vision 21 or similar plant. 2. Hvdro2en: Three research tasks will focus on producing hydrogen from synthesis gas, methane, and other hydrocarbons. 3. Advanced characterization and testin2 techniques: Two research tasks will focus on advanced analytical characterization of catalysts, fuel products, and fuel emissions. The major objectives of the program are to develop novel technology for the production of: 1. Ultra-clean, high efficiency, liquid transportation fuels; and 2. Hydrogen, the zero-emissions transportation fuel ofthe future.