Eleni A. Kyriakidou

PhD

Eleni Kyriakidou.

Eleni A. Kyriakidou

PhD

Eleni A. Kyriakidou

PhD

Associate Professor
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Research Topics

Heterogeneous catalysis; nanoparticle synthesis and surface science, and the application of such catalysts to environmental processes

Biography Publications Teaching Research Latest News
Zoom image: Kyriakidou Research Group, taken at the 2018 Graduate Research Symposium Kyriakidou Research Group.

Kyriakidou Research Group, taken at the 2018 Graduate Research Symposium

Our research interests are in the area of heterogeneous catalysis, nanoparticle synthesis and surface science, and the application of such catalysts to environmental processes. Our particular focus is on the rational design of new catalytic materials with controlled nanostructures and investigating the relationship between size/structure and composition of nanoparticles and their catalytic activity with the purpose of optimizing nanoscale formulations that have superior reactivity. Embedded in these studies is the evaluation of the materials after hydrothermal treatments at elevated temperatures that is fundamental to their stability.

The Kyriakidou group advances the use of a variety of different experimental techniques, such as temperature-programmed studies, FTIR spectroscopy, chemisorption of probe molecules, UV-vis spectroscopy, Transmission/Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Through collaborations with Oak Ridge National Laboratory we utilize highly specialized equipment for the characterization of the nanostructure of catalytic materials.

Research Projects

  • Pd/Zeolite Catalysts: Clean Exhaust in Natural Gas Vehicles
    8/6/20
    Through the loading of various second metals and altering zeolitic properties, the hydrothermal stability and methane oxidation performance are boosted in Pd/zeolite catalysts. This research project aims to meet the low temperature (less than 400°C) and steam-containing exhaust of natural gas vehicles.
  • Non-PGM Nickel/Ceria-Zirconia based Catalyst for CH4 Oxidation
    8/6/20
    Methane is the most difficult hydrocarbon to activate due to its four highly stable and symmetric C-H bonds; therefore, its complete combustion has always been a challenge.
  • Vehicle Emissions Trapping Materials
    8/6/20
    The modern three-way catalyst (TWC) is very effective for treating the hydrocarbons (HCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from stoichiometric gasoline engines once the TWC has achieved its minimum operating temperature (e.g., 250 to 400 °C, depending on the gas species).  Likewise, the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst with urea injection, and the diesel particulate filter (DPF) are effective for treating the HCs, CO, NOx, and particulate matter (PM) emissions from diesel engines once the catalysts are warmed up.  However, a high portion (up to 80%) of the total vehicle emissions is emitted during the cold start period (i.e., the period before the catalysts are functional).
  • Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane (ODHP) to Propylene
    8/6/20
    Dr. Kyriakidou’s group and Dr. Swihart’s group developed a new type of ODHP catalyst: boron-hyperdoped silicon with varied boron concentration (0 - 42 at.%) which was synthesized by laser pyrolysis and showed excellent CH productivity.  The boron-hyperdoped silicon had a CH productivity of > 0.94 ggh at 450 °C, which is >6 times higher than the CH productivity of commercial h-BN catalyst (0.16 ggh) under the same reaction conditions (Figure 1). 
  • Low Temperature Oxidation Catalysts
    8/6/20
    As a result of the continued improvements in vehicle engine efficiency, catalysts need to perform effectively at low exhaust temperatures in order to meet the strict emission standards introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency.  Therefore, US DRIVE established a goal of achieving 90% conversion of hazardous emissions at 150 °C; so-called “150 °C challenge”.  Thus, innovative catalysts that operate at lower temperatures are needed to control the engine pollutants (e.g. nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons).
  • Catalysts for Cool Cars
    1/26/17

    New vehicle engines are more efficient, and engine exhaust temperatures are lower. Innovative catalysts are needed to control the engine pollutants

  • Catalytic Transformation of Natural Gas
    5/8/24
    Natural gas has been widely used in homes, power plants, factories, and transportation due to its low cost and large domestic reserves. A 50% rise in global natural gas consumption is expected between 2010 and 2035 according to the U. S. Energy Information Administration.