Abstract

“Operando” spectroscopic methodology combines the spectroscopic characterization of a functional material at work with the simultaneous measurement of its performance. In the case of catalysis, it characterizes a catalytic material during reaction with the simultaneous measurement of catalytic activity/selectivity in a cell that delivers reaction and kinetics data that match with those obtained in the conventional reactor. ‘‘Operando” is a Latin term for “working” and “operating”. “Operando” spectroscopy can significantly assist in the establishment of fundamental molecular structure-activity/selectivity relationships in functional material for it connects the structure that possesses at work with its performance.

In this lecture, the speaker will first illustrate the complementary use of in situ and operando methodologies. His presentation will summarize the study of supported oxides for selective and total oxidation reactions, as well as the role of additives, support, hydration and reaction conditions on the states of supported catalysts. He will illustrate how operando methodology engages with complementary methodologies, such as computational chemistry, engineering and other spectroscopies, and as a whole, it provides molecular understanding on structure-performance relationships. As a matter of fact, the transversal nature of the operando approach places it at the junction between fundamental catalytic chemistry and applied chemical engineering.

About the speaker

Prof Miguel A. Bañares received his BA and PhD, both in Chemistry, from the University of Salamanca in 1988 and 1992 respectively. Prior to joining the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) as a Scientist in 1995, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Lehigh University in 1992 and at the University of Notre Dame in 1993-1994. He is currently the Research Professor in the Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemistry and the leader of the Catalytic Spectroscopy Laboratory at CSIC. In 2014-2015, he was the Deputy Vice President for Scientific Technical Fields of CSIC.

Prof Bañares’ research stands on the use of real-time Raman spectroscopy during catalysis combining in situ spectroscopic characterization of catalyst structure with simultaneous activity measurement, so that both structure and performance are measured simultaneously. He coined the term "Operando" to identify this advanced in situ spectroscopy and this term is widely used in literature now.

Prof Bañares is the Associate Editor of Catalysis Today (since 2009) and the editorial board member of Catalysis Letters (since 2006) and Topics in Catalysis (since 2006). He was also the Chairman of the Management Committee of European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST Action) in 2006-2011 and the Vice Chairman of Materials, Physical and Nanosciences COST Action TD1204 in 2012-2016. He was awarded the “Chaire d'excellence” by the École nationale supérieure d'ingénieurs de Caen & Centre de Recherche in 2013, the “Otto Mønsted Visiting Professorship” by Technical University of Denmark in 2014, and the Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Caen Normandy in 2017.

For attendees’ attention

The lecture is free and open to all. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

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