Microwave enhanced cracking of n-hexane and conversion of activated carbon into silica coated carbon nanotubes

PETR 107

Shaneela Nosheen, shaneela17@yahoo.com1, Paul T. Fanson, paul.fanson@tema.toyota.com2, and Steven L Suib, steven.suib@uconn.edu1. (1) Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Rd, Storrs, CT 06269, (2) Materials Research Department, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Ins, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Microwave power enhanced cracking of n-hexane has been studied to produce lower hydrocarbons (C2 and C3) to efficiently activate automobile catalysts. Cracking of n-hexane was studied by varying the helium gas flow rate, microwave power, and irradiation time of the microwave radiation. Activated carbon and 5% platinum/activated carbon were used as catalysts. Maximum cracking of n-hexane was observed at a low microwave power of 200 Watts and at low flow rates of 10 and 30 cc/min with activated carbon. TEM micrographs of activated carbon after catalysis showed silica coated carbon nanotubes. SEM revealed carbon nanotubes of diameter ~60-90 nm.
 

Poster Session
9:00 AM-11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 22, 2007 BCEC -- Exhibit Hall - B2, Poster

Division of Petroleum Chemistry

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007