Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis, Catalysts, and Catalysis

Burtron H. Davis earned his PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Florida, Gainesville. He is responsible for catalysis, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and direct coal liquefaction research at the Center for Applied Energy Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington. He developed a program that involved both academic research and cooperative research with industry. He has developed a laboratory with extensive capability in the use of radioactive and stable isotopes in reaction mechanism studies and materials characterization. He has also developed research programs in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, surface science studies, heterogeneous catalysis, materials science, organic analysis, ¼-ton-per-day direct coal liquefaction pilot plant operation, liquefaction mechanistic studies, clean gasoline reforming with superacid catalysts, and upgrading naphthas. He has held various offices and memberships in several professional societies, including the American Chemical Society, The Catalysis Society, and the Materials Research Society. He has received the H. H. Storch Award and is a fellow of the American Chemical Society. He is the author of more than 800 technical publications.Mario L. Occelli came to the United States in 1963 on a Fulbright scholarship to study chemical engineering at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, where he earned a BS in chemical engineering and his PhD in physical chemistry. He spent his entire career researching the synthesis and characterization of microporous materials and their application in the preparation of fluid cracking catalysts and hydrocracking catalysts for the petrochemical and petroleum refining industry. While working at GULF, UNOCAL, and Georgia Tech Research Institute, his dual background in physical chemistry and chemical engineering allowed him to contribute to multidisciplinary research projects involving chemists, surface scientists, physicists, material scientists, and chemical engineers