Micromeritics’ Grant Selection Committee has selected the recipient of its grant award for the fourth quarter of 2009. An AutoChem II Catalyst Characterization System has been awarded to the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice University, Houston, TX.

According to Dr. Michael Wong, Principal Investigator and Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at RiceUniversity, “My laboratory works at the interface of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Materials Science, with a focus on designing functional nanoparticle-based materials for catalytic, encapsulation/delivery, and energy applications. The materials of interest that will be studied with the AutoChem II include specially synthesized supported metal oxide nanoclusters for heterogeneous gas-phase catalysis; bimetallic catalysts for liquid-phase chemical reactions; and carbon nanotube-based structures and metal-organic framework/coordination polymer materials for gas adsorption. Projects include the synthesis and characterization of novel metal oxide supported material with enhanced acidic properties, Pd/Au nanoparticles for water remediation applications, catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide by gold nanoparticles, and many others.”

According to Preston Hendrix, Micromeritics’ president, “This program is designed to promote and advance the acquisition and use of particle characterization instrumentation in non-profit universities and institutions where other means of funding are not generally available. We are very proud and excited to present this award in an ongoing grant program to support important research.” Mr. Hendrix has appointed a special Grant Selection Committee to ensure the success and effectiveness of this program.

Micromeritics’ Instrument Grant Program is intended to provide particle characterization instruments to non-profit universities and research organizations for the purpose of fostering and supporting meritorious research projects. A maximum of one instrument/integrated system will be awarded per calendar quarter. The next grant decision will be made prior to 03/31/10. The next application deadline is also 03/31/10 for a 06/30/10 grant decision.

Applications may be submitted at any time in accordance with the application instructions and will remain active for a period of one year from the date of submission. Visit Grant Program for a detailed grant description, application requirements, and application.

Source: Micromeritics