Dr. Sophie van Vreeswijk

Research

Exploration of Non-Commodity Zeolite Framework for Small Molecule Activation: Acidity, Reactivity and Coke Formation

Zeolites are widely used solid catalysts. Although there are more than 235 zeolite frameworks reported, almost all zeolite-based catalytic processes are performed by a limited number of frameworks. These are the so-called Big Five: FAU, MFI, FER, MOR and BEA. More recently, SAPO-34 and SSZ-13 with the CHA structure became important catalysts in e.g. methanol-to-hydrocarbon process and selective catalytic reduction of NOx.

Since industry wishes to develop more sustainable conversion processes, it is crucial to explore the properties of less conventional zeolite frameworks. In this research project, several non-commodity zeolite framework structures are investigated as examples of small molecule activation processes. To gather detailed physicochemical insights of these materials, a wide variety of bulk and local characterization methods will be used, while their performance is studied in the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) process as showcase. The latter allows making comparisons with current MTO catalysts.

C.V.

2022-now
Postdoctoral Fellow in the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis group, Utrecht University, supervised by prof. ir. Bert Weckhuysen

2018-2022
PhD candidate in the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis group, Utrecht University, supervised by prof. ir. Bert Weckhuysen

2012-2018
Master Science (Inorganic Chemistry) and Business Management
Master thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of Pure Iron Carbides for FTO, Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis

2015
Student assistant Chemistry: assisting practical work (Ester project)

2012-2016
Bachelor chemistry
Bachelor thesis: Functional, Biocompatible Lithographic Particles, Physical & Colloid Chemistry

2006-2012
High school Gymnasium: Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest

1993
Born in Leiderdorp, The Netherlands, the 29th of November