Project #UR140
Project Number: UR140
Project Title: Searching for the stable cellobiose structure for cellulose pyrolysis
Faculty Sponsor: Jie Song
Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry
Telephone:
E-Mail: jiesong@umflint.edu
Proposed Starting Date: 09/01/2012
Proposed Ending Date: 08/31/2013
Student in mind: Yes
Number of hours to work per week: 1-6 hours
Project Description: The pyrolysis of cellulose has attracted a lot of attention. Unfortunately its reaction mechanism is still disputed and unclear. Currently it becomes more and more important because of the potential usage of biomass from renewable cellulosic materials to substitute the energy from fossil oil. In order to investigate the reaction mechanism accurately, a well-defined theoretical model is required. In this study, the conformers of cellobiose structure will be studied using ONIOM approach in the electronic structure suite of Gaussian 09.
Student Tasks & Responsibilities: Do literature review; Perform the calculations using computational chemistry software; Analyze data; Prepare the presentation; Draft the report.
Minimum Student Qualifications: Chemistry/Biochemistry major; Must have taken Physical Chemistry or currently taking it; Have good grades on General Chemistry; Be able to work independently.