UMass Amherst

William C. Conner

Professor, Dept. of Chemical Engineering
105 Goessman Laboratory, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003-9292
(413) 577-3121
wconner@ecs.umass.edu
http://www.ecs.umass.edu/che/faculty/conner.html

Synthesis & Characterization of Nanoporous Materials

We are studying the synthesis and characterization of nanoporous solids. This includes zeolites and other molecular sieves as well as other polymeric materials. Most recently, we are studying the microwave synthesis and engineering of these materials. The microwave exposure not only can enhance the synthesis by orders of magnitude but can change adsorption selectivity and catalysis. Further novel materials can be synthesized with controllable morphologies. The separations processes in which we are interested span from large hydrocarbons to synthesis gas (hydrogen) while the catalysis spans from partial oxidation to exhaust catalysis.

Research Interest Potential Application
Molecular sieves Separations and catalysis
Microwave synthesis Molecular sieves and other catalysts
Single-molecule optoelectronics Generation of electrically-pumped single-photon source
Characterization of porous solids Various applications

Publications

  1. W. C. Conner, G. Tompsett, K. Lee, and K. S. Yngvesson, “Microwave Synthesis of Zeolites: 1. Reactor Engineering ” In press, J. Phys. Chem.
  2. W, C. Conner, Jr., M. Turner, L. Capron, and R. L. Laurence.
    "The Design and Construction of a Frequency Response Apparatus to Investigate Diffusion in Zeolites" Rev. Sci. Inst . . 72-12, 4424-4433 (2001).
  3. W. C. Conner, M. Turner, R. L. Laurence, and K. S. Yngvesson, "The Effect of Microwave Energy on Three-Way Automotive Exhaust Catalysts Poisoned by SO2". Catalysis Letters 71, 3-4, 133-8 (2001).
  4. M. Turner, R. L. Laurence, K. S. Yngvesson and W. C. Conner, “The Influence of Microwave Energy on Zeolite Sorption: Desorption and Competitive Sorption.. AIChE Journal 46(4): 758-68 (2000).
  5. W. C. Conner, “Physical Adsorption in Microporous Solids Measurements and Insight into the Interactions”, NATO Advanced Study Institute on Physical Adsorption , Kluwer, p. 33-63 (1997).