Overview
Topic status: In progress
Overview
Formic acid fuel cells are becoming more important as they offer many practical advantages. Consequently, manufacture of formic acid is becoming more of an issue since at present only 600,000 tonnes per annum is made using the BASF methyl formate synthesis route. Alternative technologies such as formaldehyde oxidation to formic acid are thus receiving more attention. This project will be directed towards exploration of the latter formic acid manufacturing route.
Research activities
Catalysts suitable to produce formic acid will be prepared, characterised and activity evaluated. The catalysts will either be composed of high iron content waste materials such as nickel tailings (from Queensland Nickel) and “Red Mud” from Rio Tinto Alcan or selective catalytic wet oxidation materials. The student will test catalysts for activity in a batch reactor setting and devise methods for analysis of the product. The student will also interact with Momentive Speciality Chemicals who are the major global formaldehyde producer and have a production plant located in Brisbane.
Expected outcomes
The project objectives are:
- to identify suitable catalysts for conversion of aqueous solutions of formaldehyde to formic acid
- to characterise catalysts and determine critical properties required for good performance
- to discover optimal reaction conditions for formic acid synthesis.
Duration of project
Up to 8 weeks; specific times can be tailored to the individual needs of the student (generally between the hours of 9am and 5pm) within the general time period mid-November 2011 to mid-February 2012.
- Study level
- Vacation research experience scholarship
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
- Please contact one of the supervisors for enquiries.
Professor Graeme Millar
Dr Sara Couperthwaite
Emeritus Professor Ray Frost
