A $1,500 scholarship was awarded to University of Delaware chemical engineering fourth-year graduate student Ali Kamali. Kamali began his graduate studies at the University of Tehran, earning a master’s degree. He then joined Professor Dogxia Liu’s research group at the University of Maryland, transferring to Delaware when Professor Liu moved there.
Kamali’s research interest is in catalysis and catalyst development. His first project centered on the development of novel catalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation of biomass materials. One manuscript has been submitted for publication with a second in preparation.
His current research interest is working with MXenes with ruthenium nanoclusters as hydrogenolysis catalysts for upcycling plastic waste to fuels and lubricants. Modifying the interlayer spacing of MXene nanosheets improves the contact between polymer substrates and catalytic sites, addressing common mass transfer issues in these processes. This method achieved high conversion rates and selectivity under mild conditions. Low temperature hydrogenolysis is now a key area of research for breaking down polyolefins into fuels, lubricants and waxes.
Professor Liu notes that Kamali collaborated with students in Professor Dion Vlachos’ group to conduct plastics catalysis research using his synthesized catalysts. His good interpersonal skills help him to have effective communication and collaboration with fellow students in the Vlachos group. Utilizing these resources, Kamali has conducted rigorous testing on several catalyst materials. It is anticipated that the data he has gathered so far on plastics catalysis will contribute to the generation of two manuscripts.Professor Liu comments that Kamali is capable of independent research and is very conscientious, responsible and motivated. He works well both independently and in group settings. He is technically very strong with excellent interpersonal skills that give him the ability to work very collaboratively with others.