Scott Group - Research Page

Professor Scott's research interests include applications of surface organometallic chemistry to active site characterization and the design of new heterogeneous catalysts for olefin polymerization and alkane metathesis, low- and non-platinum-group metal catalysts for automotive emissions control, chemical conversion of carbohydrates and cellulose, preparation and properties of polymer-clay nanocomposites, especially flame retardancy, and transformations and transport of metals, particularly mercury, in the environment.

The reactions of organometallic and coordination complexes with oxide surfaces can be used to create well-defined active sites for solid catalysts. Grafting occurs when some of the ligands of the molecular complex are displaced by atoms originating in the solid. The result is a surface organometallic fragment that retains some elements of its molecular identity and can be characterized in detail by spectroscopic and analytical techniques. If the molecular complex and the grafting conditions are chosen carefully, it is possible to create surfaces modified by a single kind of surface organometallic fragment. Under these circumstances, investigation of reactivity can link active site structure directly to catalytic performance. We are studying supported catalysts for use in olefin polymerization, olefin and alkane metathesis and partial oxidation, as well as in the catalytic conversion of carbohydrates such as fructose to hydroxymethylfurfural and C-C cleavage in cellulose. We are also studying complex oxides such as perovskites, substituted with low levels of precious metals and non-precious metals, for the oxidation of CO and the simultaneous conversion of NO and CO. These robust materials show promise for the next generation of automotive emissions control.

Highly dispersed clay fillers can impart increased stiffness and thermal stability to polymers, and suppress their flammability, although catalytic cracking can also be induced. We are investigating the synthesis of nanocomposites via in situ polymerization routes using supported catalysts, to prepare materials whose processing characteristics may resemble those of the unfilled polymers, but with significantly improved physical properties.

The release of volatile Hg during the combustion of fossil fuels, particularly mercury, results in both short-range and long-range deposition depending on the subsequent redox transformations that convert the insoluble elemental form to the soluble oxidized form. Atmospheric and condensed phase reactions are being investigated in order to provide quantitative rate data to global models.


Molybdenum Carbide and Oxycarbide Hydrogen Production Catalysts-2009 NAM meeting - SF	Investigation of Lewis Acidity in Silica-Alumina and Its Importance-2009 NAM meeting - SF	EXAFS of Perrhenate and SnMe₄-Promoted Perrhenate on SiO₂/Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃	Design of Suported Acid Catalyst for the Dehydration of Alcohols -2008 ACS

Evidence for a metallasiloxane ring size effect in metal oxides dispersed on silica-2009 GRC	Active site structures in supported catalysts prepared by grafting	Surface Structure and Catalytic Properties in Heterogeneous Catalysts