Ms Emma Lovell , a final year PhD student in PARTCAT group at the School of Chemical Engineering has been selected as one of the finalists at the recent Postgraduate Research Symposium - a 3 day event organised by the Faculty of Engineering. Emma was awarded $500 for being finalist and her presentation received the Highly Commended award by the judging committee.

Emma's research topic is 'Nickel Catalysts for the Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane: modulating support properties via flame spray pyrolysis'. In her thesis, Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) technique was utilised to produce supports for Ni catalysts for the dry reforming of methane. The impact of varying precursor feed rates on silica particle size and surface properties was evaluated with respect to Ni dispersion and catalytic activity and stability. The results showed that varying flame synthesis conditions can result in more active and stable catalysts with high surface area and residual carbon species both aiding in Ni dispersion, thus enhancing activity.

The project demonstrates the ability of FSP to produce effective Ni catalyst supports for the dry reforming of methane with tuneable properties to enhance catalytic performance, and thus shows the potential for development on a industrially viable scale.

To learn more about Emma Lovell's research, click here

Dean of Engineering, Prof. Mark Hoffman, Ms Emma Lovell and Vice Chancellor, Prof Ian Jacobs at PG Symposium 2015