Dr. Michael P. Harold
Dow Chair Professor and Department Chair

UH Diesel Vehicel Research and Testing Facility

Dept. of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
S222 Engineering Building 1
University of Houston
4800 Calhoun Ave.
Houston, TX 77204-4004
Office Location: S225
Telephone: (713) 743-4304
Fax: (713) 743-4323
E-mail: mharold "at-sign" uh "dot" edu

› EDUCATION    › RESEARCH    › HONORS&ACTIVITIES    › PUBLICATIONS

Michael P. Harold is currently Dow Chair Professor and Chairman of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston. Mike received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Penn State in 1980 and his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston in 1985. Mike joined the faculty of the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he became Associate Professor in 1991. In 1991 Mike was a Visiting Research Scholar at the Chemical Technology Department of University of Twente in Enschede, the Netherlands. In 1993 Mike joined DuPont Company where he held several research and supervisory positions. In 1999 Mike was appointed Research Manager of the Chemical Process Fundamentals Group in the Central Research Department of the DuPont Company. While at DuPont Mike was Adjunct Professor at the University of Delaware and was Chair of the Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division of AIChE. In his R&D supervisory roles at DuPont Mike led programs to develop breakthrough technologies for the manufacture of key industrial polymers and their corresponding chemical intermediates, and synthetic melt-spun fibers. Recently Mike moved back to academia to take on his current position at UH. Mike’s research expertise and interests are in the area of chemical reaction engineering, with specific focus on reaction-separation devices, inorganic membrane synthesis and applications, and catalytic and biocatalytic materials. Mike has 60 refereed publications, over 50 presentations at technical conferences, and over 35 invited seminars and lectures. Mike was awarded the "Outstanding Junior Faculty Award" at U. Mass., was co-author of an AIChE J. paper given "Best Applied Paper Award" of the SW Section of AIChE, and was an invited participant in the National Academy of Engineering "Frontiers of Engineering" Symposium.

EDUCATION

— B.S., Chemical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, (1980)
— Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Houston, (1985)

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RESEARCH INTERESTS

Our research interests are in the area of chemical reaction engineering. We carry out fundamental experiments complemented by mathematical modeling in order to understand reaction-transport interactions in chemical reactors, and to develop customized reactors for specialized applications. Areas of particular interest include reaction-separation devices and materials, environmental reaction engineering, and multiphase transport and reaction. Ongoing projects include:

›High Temperature Inorganic Membrane Reactors
Traditionally, reactors have been designed and operated as stand-alone units, with heat exchange and separations carried out in parallel or sequentially. Our interest is to consolidate these functions into a single, multi-functional device in order to improve performance and reduce cost. Membrane reactors, selective product removal afford considerable improvements in desired product yield. The challenge is tailoring the membrane and catalyst for the reaction system of interest.  

› High Purity Hydrogen Generation for Fuel Cells
A specific application of membrane reactors is in the generation of high purity hydrogen from liquid fuels, which is critical for the widespread deployment of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells.  Current fuel-to-hydrogen conversion technologies involves cumbersome sequences of independent steps, adding undesirable weight, volume, and complexity. We are evaluating the feasibility of a reaction and separation device for converting fuels into high purity hydrogen in a single step. The concept involves a membrane reactor in which hydrogen generation through fuel reforming and selective hydrogen separation are carried out simultaneously. Membrane synthesis, membrane reactor operation, and mathematical modeling are being carried out to evaluate the potential of the concept.

› NOx Reduction in Lean Burn Engine Exhaust
We are investigating the catalytic reduction of NOx to nitrogen in the oxidizing atmosphere of lean burn and diesel vehicles. One approach involves the use of an adsorptive reactor in which the NOx is trapped as a nitrite/nitrate on an rare earth oxide and then reduced by the intermittent feed of a reductant. This is a complex system involving the abatement of a key pollutant contained in a time-varying feed utilizing a periodic catalytic process. The challenge is to achieve high NOx conversion with minimal fuel penalty while sustaining long catalyst life. We are carrying out bench-scale reactor and transient kinetics studies, microkinetic mechanisticbased modeling, and reactor modeling and simulations to determine optimal reactor designs, catalyst formulations, and operating strategies.

› Integrated Catalytic Filtration Devices for Diesel Exhaust Abatement
In response to aggressive new emission standards, we are developing new technology for reducing particulates and NOx in the net-oxidizing exhaust of lean burn gasoline and diesel vehicles. One concept involves a transient-operated device with particulate filtration, NOx adsorptive storage, and NOx catalytic reduction to nitrogen. Our research involves the synthesis and evaluation of sorbents and catalysts, design and testing of devices, and optimization of the operating scheme. Transient catalytic studies are carried out to elucidate the capture and release of NOx, and the subsequent NOx reduction. We are investigating the use of diesel fuel as both a NOx desorption agent and chemical reductant, as well as simultaneous NOx release and soot oxidation.

› Multiphase Selective Oxidation of Hydrocarbons
Selective oxidations of liquid hydrocarbons are particularly challenging due to exothermicity, flammability hazards, complex chemistry and multiphase contacting issues. Environmental and economic factors are increasing the need for higher oxygenate selectivity, improved reactor productivity and modularity, as well as lower investment and cost of manufacture. We are interested in elucidating the interactions of the free radical chemistry and transport phenomena, and in developing operating schemes that optimize the contacting of hydrocarbon and oxygen.

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HONORS & ACTIVITIES

— 2007: Best Applied Paper Award – Southwest Section of AIChE:
             Lattner, J.R., and M.P. Harold, “Autothermal Reforming of Methanol:  Experiments and              Modeling, Catalysis Today, 120, 78-89 (2007).
— 2005–Present: Chair, AIChE Publication Committee
— 1999: Best Applied Paper award, Southwest Section of AIChE
— 1999: Chair, Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division of AIChE
— 1999: Invited Participant in National Academy of Engineering “Frontiers of Engineering     Symposium”
— 1997–2000: Research Management, DuPont Company
— 1991: Visiting Research Fellow, University of Twente, The Netherlands
— 1990: Outstanding Junior Faculty Award, College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts

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SELECTED PUBLICATION

1. Israni, S.H., B. Nair and M. P. Harold, “Hydrogen Generation and Purification in a Composite Pd Hollow Fiber Membrane Reactor:  Experiments and Modeling,” Catalysis Today, accepted for publication (2008).
2. Nair, B., and M.P. Harold, “Experiments and Modeling of Transport in Composite Pd and Pd/Ag Coated Alumina Hollow Fibers,“  J. Membrane Sci., to appear  (2008).
3. Clayton, R.D.., M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO by H2 in O2 on Pt/BaO/Al2O3 Monolith NOx Storage Catalysts,” Appl. Catal. B. Environmental, to appear (2008).
4. Muncrief, R.L., C.W. Rooks, M.P. Harold, and M. Cruz, “Combining Biodiesel and Exhaust Gas Recirculation for Reduction in NOx and Particulate Emissions,” Energy and Fuels, to appear (2008).
5. Xu, J., R.D. Clayton, V. Balakotaiah, and  M.P. Harold, “Experimental and Microkinetic Modeling of Steady-State NO Reduction by H2 on Pt/BaO/Al­2O3 Monolith Catalysts,” Appl. Catal. B. Environmental, 77, 395-408(2008).
6. Sharma, M., R.D. Clayton, M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Multiplicity in Lean NOx Traps,” Chem. Engng. Sci., Chem. Engng. Science, 62,  5176-5181 (2007).
7. Lattner, J.R., and M.P. Harold, “Autothermal Reforming of Methanol:  Experiments and Modeling,” Catalysis Today, 120, 78-89 (2007).
8. Medhekar, V., V. Balakotaiah, and M.P. Harold, “TAP Study of NOx Storage and Reduction on Pt/Al­2O3 and Pt/Ba/Al2O3,” Catalysis Today, 121, 226-236  (2007).
9. Nair, B., J. Choi, and M.P. Harold, “Electroless Plating and Permeation Features of Pd and Pd-Ag Hollow Fiber Composite Membranes,“  J. Membrane Sci., 288, 67-84  (2007).
10. Nair, B., and M.P. Harold, “Pd Encapsulated and Nanopore Hollow Fiber Membranes:  Synthesis and Permeation Studies,” J. Membrane Sci., 290, 182-195 (2007).
11. Kabin, K., P. Khanna, R. Muncrief, V. Medhekar, and M.P. Harold, “Monolith and TAP Reactor Studies of NOX Storage on Pt/BaO/Al2O3:  Elucidating the Mechanistic Pathways and Roles of Pt,“ Catalysis Today, 114, 72-85 (2006).
12. Nair, B., and M.P. Harold, “Hydrogen Generation in a Pd Membrane Fuel Processor: Productivity Effects During Methanol Steam Reforming,” Chem. Engng. Science, 61, 6616-6636 (2006).
13. Theis, J., H.W. Jen, R. McCabe, M. Sharma, V. Balakotaiah, and M.P. Harold,  “Reductive Elimination as a Mechanism for Purging a Lean NOx Trap,”  Society of Automotive Engineers Journal, 2006-01-1067 (2006).
14. Su, Y., K. Kabin, M.P. Harold, and M.D. Amiridis, “Reactor and In-situ FTIR studies of Pt Pt/BaO/Al2O3 and Pd/BaO/Al2O3 NOx Storage and Reduction (NSR) Catalysts,” Appl. Catal.  B. Environmental,” 71, 207-215 (2006).
15. Lattner, J.R., and M.P. Harold, “Comparison of Methanol Based Fuel Processors for PEM Fuel Cell Systems,” Appl. Catalysis B. Environmental, 56, 149-169 (2005).
16. Sharma, M., M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Analysis of Periodic Storage and Reduction in Catalytic Monoliths,” Ind. Engng. Chem. Res., 44, 6264-6277 (2005).
17. Sharma, M., K. Kabin, M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Modeling of NOx Storage and Reduction for Diesel Exhaust Emission Control,” Society of Automotive Engineers Journal, OFL-125 (2005).
18. Sharma, M., M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Analysis of Storage and Reaction Phases for LNT for Diesel Engine Exhaust Treatment,” Society of Automotive Engineers Journal, OFFL-218 (2005).
19. Lattner, J.R., and M.P. Harold, “Comparison of Conventional and Membrane Reactor Fuel Processors for Hydrocarbon-Based PEM Fuel Cell Systems,” Inter. J. of Hydrogen Energy, 29, 393-417 (2004).
20. Bhattacharya, M. M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Shape Normalization for Catalytic Monoliths,” Chem. Engng. Sci., 59, 3737-3766 (2004).
21. Muncrief, R., K. Kabin, and M.P. Harold, “NOx Storage and Reduction With Propylene on   Pt/BaO/Alumina,” AIChE J., 50, 2526-2540 (2004).
22. Bhattacharya, M. M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Mass Transfer Coefficients in Washcoated Monoliths,” AIChE J.,  50, 2939-2955 (2004).
23. Muncrief, R., P. Khanna, K. Kabin, and M.P. Harold,  “Mechanistic and Kinetic Studies of NOx Storage and Reduction on Pt/BaO/Al2O3,” Catal. Today, 98, 393-402 (2004).
24. Bhattacharya, M., M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Low Dimensional Models for Stirred Tank Reactors,” Chem. Engng. Sci., 59, 5587-5596 (2004).
25. Kabin, K., R. Muncrief, M.P. Harold, and Y. Li, “Dynamics of Storage and Reaction in a Monolith Reactor:  Lean NOx Reduction,” Chem. Engng. Sci., 59, 5319-5327  (2004).
26. Kabin, K., R. Muncrief, and M.P. Harold,  “NOx Storage and Reduction in a Pt/BaO/Alumina Washcoated Monolith Catalyst,” Catalysis Today,  96, 79-89 (2004).
27. Harold, M.P., B. Nair, and G. Kolios, “Hydrogen Generation in a Pd Membrane Fuel Processor: Assessment of Methanol-Based Reaction Systems,” Chemical Engineering Science, 58, 2551-2571 (2003).

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