Kevin Schuh-Levy

Project: Catalytic performance evaluation of orthorhombic Mo–V–O (MoVO) catalysts for ethane oxidation

• Continued research on MoVO catalysts synthesized from dimethylammonium polyoxomolybdate precursors developed during previous work in Japan
• Performed catalytic testing of ethane oxidation to ethylene under controlled reaction conditions
• Evaluated activity, selectivity and stability of the catalysts
• Investigated the role of microporous channels and encapsulated cations on catalytic performance

Project: Synthesis and characterization of orthorhombic Mo–V–O catalysts for ethane oxidation

• Synthesized and studied a series of dimethylammonium polyoxomolybdate precursors (hepta-, tri-, octa-, and decamolybdates)
• Performed hydrothermal syntheses for orthorhombic MoVO catalysts (M1 phase)
• Investigated the role of dimethylammonium cations as structure-directing agents
• Identified phases and analysed crystallinity using PXRD, contributing to understanding catalyst structure
• Characterized materials using FTIR, TG/DTA, SEM, CHN analysis, ¹³C MAS NMR, etc.
• Demonstrated the presence and confinement of DMA⁺ cations inside MoVO microporous channels
• Established relationships between structure, composition, and crystallinity based on precursor nature, facilitating targeted catalyst design
• Evaluated thermal stability and retention of organic species within catalysts

Role: Process optimization, revamping and commissioning of a plastic pyrolysis pilot unit

• Conducted an in-depth and up-to-date literature review on plastic pyrolysis and hydrocarbon valorization
• Optimised PLC control program, enhancing process operability and safety
• Designed and drafted the P&ID and functional process analysis of the unit
• Carried out process simulations and operating condition optimization using Aspen Plus to support scale-up and improve system performance
• Proposed technical modifications and revamping strategies for the unit's industrial applications
• Defined and specified additional equipment required for commissioning and operation
• Managed supplier interactions and technical negotiations
• Supervised the first commissioning and start-up tests of the pyrolysis unit

Project: Study of emulsion systems and phase inversion temperature (PIT) in polar/non-polar oil systems

• Investigated the possibility of monitoring phase inversion temperature (PIT) using conductivity measurements in polar/non-polar oil systems (Acetol/Decalin + surfactants)
• Prepared and characterized emulsion systems (WI/WII/WIII regimes) using different surfactant ratios (Brij O2 / Brij O10, Tween systems)
• Analysed emulsion stability and phase separation kinetics through transmittance measurements over time
• Investigated the influence of solvent polarity (Acetol, Dodecane, alcohols, DMSO, glycerol, ethylene glycol) on emulsion behavior
• Determined cloud point temperatures of surfactants (Brij O10) in water/solvent mixtures
• Conducted statistical correlation analyses (Pearson and Spearman coefficients) to identify relationships between cloud point temperatures and Hansen solubility parameters