Person

Conner Pope, MS

Grad Research Assistant | Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science

Specialization: Carbon Capture & Utilization

Overview

Conner Pope is a graduate research assistant in the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science and Center for Renewable Carbon. His research interest centers on improving direct CO₂ Fischer–Tropsch synthesis towards industrializing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production by systematically designing sustainable Fe and Co catalysts. While these catalysts have been extensively investigated for traditional Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, further study of reverse water-gas shift and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis active phases in Fe and Co and reaction kinetics over FeCo is critical for refining the hydrogenation of CO₂ to long-chain hydrocarbons (C₅₊) useful for producing SAF. The promotion of such catalysts is also essential to tailor FeCo structural and electronic characteristics for upgraded CO₂ conversion and C₅₊ selectivity.

Research Focus

Systematic approaches to designing direct CO₂ Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts for SAF production. In-depth characterization of catalyst structural and electronic features for active site determination.

Research Questions
  • What are the effects of H₂ reduction temperature on Fe and Co phase changes and reaction behavior through ex situ and in situ bulk and surface catalyst characterization?
  • What are the influences of direct CO₂ Fischer–Tropsch synthesis reaction conditions on Fe and Co phase development and reaction kinetics using mathematical modeling?
  • What is the significance of K, Ni, and Zn introduction on Fe and Co phase evolution and reaction performance with long-term, continuous reactor operation?
Picture of Conner Pope, MS
205 CRC Material Science and Technology Unit
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4570
Education and Training
  • MS, Biosystems Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2019
  • BE, Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University, 2015
Web Presence

Conner Pope, MS

Grad Research Assistant | Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science
Picture of Conner Pope, MS image
205 CRC Material Science and Technology Unit
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4570
Education and Training
  • MS, Biosystems Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2019
  • BE, Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University, 2015
Overview

Conner Pope is a graduate research assistant in the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science and Center for Renewable Carbon. His research interest centers on improving direct CO₂ Fischer–Tropsch synthesis towards industrializing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production by systematically designing sustainable Fe and Co catalysts. While these catalysts have been extensively investigated for traditional Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, further study of reverse water-gas shift and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis active phases in Fe and Co and reaction kinetics over FeCo is critical for refining the hydrogenation of CO₂ to long-chain hydrocarbons (C₅₊) useful for producing SAF. The promotion of such catalysts is also essential to tailor FeCo structural and electronic characteristics for upgraded CO₂ conversion and C₅₊ selectivity.

Research Focus

Systematic approaches to designing direct CO₂ Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts for SAF production. In-depth characterization of catalyst structural and electronic features for active site determination.

Research Questions
  • What are the effects of H₂ reduction temperature on Fe and Co phase changes and reaction behavior through ex situ and in situ bulk and surface catalyst characterization?
  • What are the influences of direct CO₂ Fischer–Tropsch synthesis reaction conditions on Fe and Co phase development and reaction kinetics using mathematical modeling?
  • What is the significance of K, Ni, and Zn introduction on Fe and Co phase evolution and reaction performance with long-term, continuous reactor operation?
Web Presence