A Rochester-based company, Cerion Enterprises and a professor from Alfred University have collaborated to conduct a research project that helps to understand how a ceria-based additive enhances fuel-efficiency. Cerium oxide (CeO2) is known as Ceria and is a rare-earth compound.
Cerion provides its support to the research work performed by the Van Derck Frechette Professor of Ceramic Science, Alastair Cormack, in the Alfred University-based Inamori School of Engineering. The research team of Cormack employs computer algorithms for simulating the energetics and the structure of ceria-based nanoparticles.
The environment-friendly diesel additive, GO2 catalyst produced by Cerion, reduces the consumption of fuel by atleast 8% as well as decreases particulate matter and dangerous emissions.
The main aim of Alastair’s research project is to offer an in-depth knowledge of atomic-scale processes that enable the nanoparticles to exhibit excellent performance. The next objective is to frame a computer-based technique for developing different nanoparticle catalysts. Preferably, this simulation will decrease the need for several number of lab experiments performed to develop novel products.
Kenneth Reed, CTO of Cerion, the guidance and understanding that Alastair’s calculations have offered is an essential part of the research program carried out by the company for producing high-reactivity nanomaterial catalysts. Matthew Hall, Director of the Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology (CACT) at Alfred University, stated that this project is a proof of how computational approaches serve as a platform for developing materials that cannot be obtained by traditional methods.
Source: http://www.alfred.edu/