(340az) On the Spatial Design of Co-Fed Amines for Selective Dehydration of Methyl Lactate to Acrylates

My research has focused on the understanding of molecular properties on adsorption and selectivity control towards more sustainable chemistry. By understanding the balance between basicity and steric properties of titrant amines in the confined environment of zeolites, I improved the selectivity from biomass-derived methyl lactate to acrylates from 60 to 90%, achieving the desired selectivity for the commercialization of this renewable chemistry. To this end, I have utilized synthetic methods, in-situ and ex-situ characterization techniques, measurement of chemical kinetics with automation, and modeling (e.g., density functional theory and molecular dynamics) to predict and identify basicity and spatial properties relevant for tailored chemical conversions for a sustainable future.