Placement Information
Year you started your placement
2012
Placement period
May – August, September – December
Supervisor’s name
Marc Armbruster
Project Details
Overview
My project focuses on the use of intermetallic compounds for catalytic use. The specific catalytic function I am investigating is the selective semi hydrogenation of ethyne to ethylene.
An intermetallic compound is a substance formed when two or more metals react to form a compound with properties different from either one of the starting materials. They are promising materials for catalysis because they are more stable than traditional metal or alloy catalysts, they exhibit a greater range in catalytic properties, and they can be more cost effective. The intermetallic systems that I am working with are magnesium palladium (MgPd), aluminum palladium (AlPd), and zinc palladium(ZnPd).
My task is to synthesize compounds in the aforementioned binary systems (MgPd, ZnPd and AlPd) and carry out catalytic tests on them. To date, I have learned how to synthesize compounds in all three of these systems and I have started carrying out catalytic tests on the ZnPd system.
Project objectives
The goal of my research is to discover a viable synthesis route for the production of MgPd and AlPd. This synthesis procedure must be reproducible, clean, and yield phase pure products. This involves optimizing initial synthesis steps like arc melting or high frequency induction melting, as well as post synthesis treatment conditions like annealing time and temperature.
Ideally the intermetallic compounds will be selective for the conversion of ethyne to ethylene but not that of ethylene to ethane. The catalyst will also have a high catalytic activity and stability within the reaction conditions.
Research outcomes
Not available at this time.
Project status
Completed
My Co-op Experience at MPI
Why did you apply for a placement with Max Planck Institute?
The reason I chose to apply for a placement with the Max Planck Institute was that it is a highly renowned research institute and is working on cutting edge research. The Max Planck Institutes are known for their high caliber of work and I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to experience working in such an environment. Furthermore, the chance to come to Germany was exciting as it is a country known for its innovation and efficiency. It also happened to be situated in the heart of Europe so there would also be opportunities to do some traveling and exploring within the continent.
What recommendations do you have for students who wish to participate in MPI-UBC exchange program?
I suggest that anyone considering this placement have an interest for research and a desire to investigate and try new things. There is a lot of opportunity to take the lead with your own project and the facilities here are more than capable of allowing this.
A strong set of laboratory skills is also a must. The Max Planck Institutes are known for their high caliber of work so anyone on a placement here must be able to perform correct and controlled lab work. That being said, if you are unfamiliar with some techniques that is OK as well because learning is encouraged here.
Tell us about your travels and cultural experiences in Germany and the rest of the Europe
To date I have traveled to eight countries outside of Germany. Since Germany is very central in Europe there are plenty of options for travel. Before coming to Germany I hadn’t really considered doing much traveling in Eastern Europe, but after having done several trips in the east I would definitely recommend it and will be visiting the area again. Travel, food and accommodation are incredibly inexpensive in Eastern Europe and the people are very friendly. Having done trips to Prague (only two hours away) and Budapest I have also learned that Eastern Europe is a fairly safe place to travel and it offers many interesting sights. It has also been great to see the immense cultural differences in people that live so close together by Canadian standards. Whereas in Canada you can travel for days by car and still be in the same country, here you can travel a few hours and be in a place that speaks a completely different language and has a different set of cultural beliefs and habits.
