Controlled and Safe C-H Activation in Light Alkanes by Ozone

This project will develop innovative methods for converting shale gas into valuable chemicals and fuels using ozone, a powerful oxidizing agent. By studying the reaction mechanisms and optimizing conditions, the team will create efficient and environmentally friendly processes. The project will also explore the use of liquid carbon dioxide as a solvent to enhance ozone delivery to substrates, improving reaction rates and selectivity. Outcomes will have the potential to bridge chemical feedstock gaps, reduce reliance on petroleum refining, and contribute to the sustainable chemical industry. The research will train students and postdocs in multidisciplinary approaches, fostering future workforce development. The project will help advance renewable fuels and chemicals, transform plastics manufacturing, and enhance the economic viability of biorefineries. The project will advance NSF's priority in advanced manufacturing. The proposed research will develop a novel class of ozone delivery systems based on liquid carbon dioxide, which can effectively oxidize alkanes in a controlled manner. This approach will address the challenge of rapid ozone decomposition in liquid phase reactions by leveraging the unique properties of liquid carbon dioxide to deliver ozone to substrates. The project will explore the kinetics and mechanism of alkane ozonation in liquid carbon dioxide, with a focus on understanding the role of C-H bond strengths and the potential for selective hydroxylation. The development of these liquid carbon dioxide delivery systems could significantly enhance the efficiency and selectivity of ozone-based oxidation processes, making them more viable for industrial applications. The research will contribute to the broader goal of increasing the economic competitiveness of the United States by providing a sustainable and efficient method for the chemical processing of feedstocks, particularly in remote locations. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. NSF Award ID: 2545276 | Program: 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT | Principal Investigator: Timothy Jackson | Institution: University of Kansas Center for Research Inc, LAWRENCE, KS | Award Amount: $499,999 View on NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2545276 View on Research.gov: https://www.research.gov/awardapi-service/v1/awards/2545276.html