Research in catalysis.

I obtained Ph.D. degree in chemistry on the Studies on MgO, ZrO2 based mixed oxide supported hydrotreating catalysts from HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar in year 2006. I synthesized ZrO2-Al2O3, MgO-Al2O3 supported molybdenum and tungsten catalysts and carried out their physico-chemical characterization to determine various surface properties like surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, metal dispersion, surface acidity and acid strength distribution, reducibility using a variety of techniques. I am versed with the techniques of textural characterization and used nitrogen adsorption-desorption for BET surface area and pore size distribution (ASAP-2010, Micromeritics, USA), mercury porosimeter for meso porosity, metal dispersion by O2/H2 chemisorption, LTOC (Pulse chemisorption, Pulse Chemisorption-2700 & ChemSorb-2720, Micromeritics, USA), acidity by microcalorimetry (C-80 Setaram, France) and reducibility (TPR/TPD-2900). I evaluated catalysts for hydrodesulfurization, hydrogenation and hydrocracking activity in a microreactor using gas chromatography for the analysis of reaction products. My research program was aimed to establish definite correlation between surface properties and catalytic activity and also to understand the role of active sites, promoters, metal-support, metal-metal interactions and ultimately the mechanism of the reactions involved in the petroleum refining processes. Besides the basic research work in the area of catalysts, I am also participated actively in the Institute’s ongoing research projects on the development of catalysts for petroleum processes like catalytic reforming, hydrodesulfurization, hydrocracking, FCC and exhaust emission involving alumina, silica alumina and zeolite based Nobel metals (Pt, Pt-Re, Pt-Sn) and base metals (Co, Ni, Mo, W) catalysts.I have thirty research publications to my credit published mostly in international journals.

I am involved in development of Hetergeneouse catalysts for different hydro treating processes. For example Pt, Pt-Sn reforming catalysts, Mo, Co-Mo, Ni-W hydodesulfurization and hydrocracking catalyst. These catalysts are supported on a variaty of support material like Alumina, Mixed Oxides, Zeolites, SBA-15/MCM-40/FSM etc.