Stimulated Dynamic and Resonant Catalysis

This workshop is open for applications! Please use the Register button to apply for the workshop. Deadline: June 30th 2024.

Scientific Topic
Catalytic reactors are conventionally operated under the constraints of thermally-driven steady-state conditions, which imposes limits on reaction rates, energy efficiency, and selectivity. However, a paradigm shift is underway as an increasing body of theoretical and experimental evidence emerges that has revealed the potential to go beyond these limitations through stimulated dynamic catalyst control. Within this exciting concept, instead of keeping the catalyst at a steady-state temperature or electronic state, the catalyst properties or its local surroundings are intermittently changed with an external stimulus at frequencies typically higher than 100 Hz to achieve resonance with the underlying kinetics and transport mechanisms.

The full extent of possibilities within this intriguing research domain has only just begun to be unveiled. The specific focus of this workshop is one the one hand the realization and study of stimulated dynamic catalysis with state-of-the-art technologies which have become more available in recent years, such as ultrafast laser techniques. On the other hand, the workshop also focusses on time-resolved experimental techniques that can reveal relevant mechanisms and dynamics, potentially with nanoscale precision. Finally, we will converge theoretical and experimental insights to lay the foundation for groundbreaking advances in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

Aim
The goal of this workshop is to bring together experts in the fields of chemical engineering, materials science, surface dynamics, and nanoscale physics to discuss and explore the dynamic processes that drive catalysis. Meanwhile, we aim to provide an educational platform for researchers at any career stage. By focusing on the fundamental physical and chemical mechanisms, we aim to advance the understanding of:

1. How dynamic processes can influence chemical reactions on any catalyst (heterogeneous, homogeneous, and bio-catalysts).
2. How these processes can be investigated experimentally and modelled theoretically at the atomic scale.
3. The material requirements for dynamic catalysts.
4. Which external stimuli can be used to control dynamic catalysts.
5. How (at this stage) academic insights into dynamic catalysis can be upscaled to larger proof-of-concept devices that in the future may improve vital catalytic processes in industry to feed and fuel our modern societies.

Scope
The workshop will cover the broad range of different aspects of dynamic catalysis, including but not limited to:

• A theoretical understanding of the chemical kinetics and mechanisms, and the multiscale modelling of catalysts under rapidly changing chemical conditions.
• Any form of time-varied and forced physical stimulation of catalysts, such as pulsed light, electrical heating, electrical charge (e.g. condensers or electrocatalytic devices), ferro-electric effects, and surface acoustic waves.
• Control of catalyst structural dynamics at sub-second timescale such as phase changes and crystal strain.
• Time-resolved and in-situ/operando spectroscopic and imaging techniques that can unveil catalytic dynamics.
• Catalyst materials and systems specifically designed for dynamic chemical control.
• Strategies for upscaling these novel concepts in dynamic chemical reactor engineering.