Heterogeneous chemistry at the molecular scale

The importance of catalysis for reducing human impact on the environment was emphasized in the reports from two workshops cosponsored by NSF and DOE: "Basic Research Needs for Environmentally Responsive Technologies of the Future" and "Basic Research Needs for Vehicles of the Future". NO_x removal from combustion exhaust, the more efficient use of fossil fuels for energy production, the "clean" production of many useful chemicals, the removal of pollutants from waste water streams, and the transformation of pollutants to biodegradable forms can all be improved by advances in the controlled catalytic oxidation of organic compounds. At Northwestern University, a consortium of faculty from several academic departments along with scientists from industry are collaborating on a multi-disciplinary research effort to better understand the catalytic oxidation of organic compounds on solid surfaces at the molecular level. The potential and current understanding of catalytic oxidation was presented, focusing on results from the multi-disciplinary effort of the Institute for Environmental Catalysis at Northwestern University.