Session Number
Project ID: CHEM 07
Advisor(s)
Dr. Joseph Golab, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Discipline
Chemistry
Start Date
20-4-2022 10:25 AM
End Date
20-4-2022 10:40 AM
Abstract
Global warming is a pressing problem in the world today and it is exacerbated by the release of greenhouse gases, such as methane, into the atmosphere. Zeolites are being examined as a potential solution to the methane problem because they have a unique structure that can trap molecules. In particular, zeolites containing transitional metals show promise in oxidization reactions. Methane oxidation is an important reaction because it turns methane that contributes to global warming into methanol, a useable fuel source. In my project, I model zeolites containing different transitional metals using a software called SPARTAN and calculate their energies as a methane molecule passes through it. By looking at the energies of each zeolite, I can examine their stability and effectiveness relative to each other, helping determine which zeolites are better for atmospheric methane removal.
Methane Removal Using Zeolites: A Computational Analysis
Global warming is a pressing problem in the world today and it is exacerbated by the release of greenhouse gases, such as methane, into the atmosphere. Zeolites are being examined as a potential solution to the methane problem because they have a unique structure that can trap molecules. In particular, zeolites containing transitional metals show promise in oxidization reactions. Methane oxidation is an important reaction because it turns methane that contributes to global warming into methanol, a useable fuel source. In my project, I model zeolites containing different transitional metals using a software called SPARTAN and calculate their energies as a methane molecule passes through it. By looking at the energies of each zeolite, I can examine their stability and effectiveness relative to each other, helping determine which zeolites are better for atmospheric methane removal.