Kinetics and Catalysis

 My interests include heterogeneous catalysis, chemical kinetics, coal char oxidation, NO_x reduction, automobile emissions control, infrared spectroscopy of surfaces. I seek to gain fundamental kinetic/mechanistic information about chemically reactive systems and catalysts by measuring reaction rates and surface properties. This information is then used to develop predictive models. Current projects include,

1. measuring char oxidation rates at high and low temperatures, especially at high burnout levels
2. developing a char oxidation model which predicts all 3 zones of combustion
3. using infrared spectroscopy to quantify surface species during heterogeneous reactions
4. determinining kinetics and mechanism of NO reduction by CH4 over zeolite-supported Rh and Pd.
5. reduction of NOx with coal char - study of basic kinetics including effects of CaO catalysis, burnout level, and burnout conditions

I have studied the catalytic reduction of NOx for the past 15 years over a variety of catalysts (including oxide and zeolite-supported rhodium, rhodium-bimetallics, etc.) using different reducing agents (CO, H2, CH4, char). Infrared spectroscopy is used to study reactions in situ and gain information regarding catalyst surfaces and adsorbates. We have also developed a quantitative technique which uses CO as an infrared surface probe (CISP) to determine the active surface area and surface properties of heterogeneous catalysts.

Further infromation on Dr. Hecker's Char Oxidation research is found at the following sites:

• High and Low Temperature Char Oxidation Kinetics and Physical Properties
• BCOM: BYU Char Oxidation Model Predicts High-Temperature Char Oxidation Kinetics