Dr. Michael P. Harold

Professor
Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished University Chair
Assistant Vice President, Intellectual Property and Industrial Engagements

Office Location S325, Engineering Building 1

Phone 713-743-4322

Fax 713-743-4323

Email mharold [at] uh.edu

Website http://txcef.egr.uh.edu

Education

Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Houston, (1985)

B.S., Chemical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, (1980)

Bio

Mike Harold is the Cullen Engineering Professor in the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston (UH). With expertise in catalysis and reaction engineering, Harold has advised 39 doctoral students, authored 185 peer-reviewed papers and chapters, and presented 130 invited lectures. Through probing experiments and modeling spanning the molecular to reactor scales, Harold has advanced the understanding of fundamental aspects of reaction systems while providing useful guidance to practitioners. His research on multi-functional reactors and catalysts has led to reduced emissions and byproduct formation, and to more intensive and safer chemical reactors. Harold received his BS in Chemical Engineering from Penn State and PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston. In 1985 he joined the Chemical Engineering Dept. at University of Massachusetts where he became Associate Professor. In 1993 Harold joined DuPont Company, where he held technical and managerial positions. In 2000 Harold became the Dow Chair Professor and Department Chair at UH, a position he held in two non-consecutive terms for 16 years. Harold served as Editor-in-Chief of the AIChE Journal from 2012 through 2021, Chair of the AIChE Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division in 1999 and 2022, and President of ISCRE Inc. in 2017-18. His honors include the R. H. Wilhelm Award from AIChE in 2023, the Award for Excellence in Applied Catalysis from the Southwest Catalysis Society in 2019, the Esther Farfel Award at UH in 2013, and AIChE Fellow in 2014.

Courses

Unit Operations (CHEE 3462)

Graduate Seminar (CHEE 6111)

Advanced Reactor Engineering (CHEE 6337)

Research Interests

Our research is in the area of catalysis and reaction engineering. We study problems which are of intrinsic academic interest while providing useful guidance and insight to practitioners. We carry out systematic, probing experiments combined with mathematical modeling spanning the molecular to the reactor scale. Current problems include:

Catalytic oxidation and reforming of methane
Catalysis with electrified substrates
Forced dynamic operation for enhanced catalyst performance
Plasma catalysis for conversion of alkanes to olefins
Spatio-temporal studies of structured reactors
Inorganic membrane reactors for hydrogen generation

Research Group

Graduate students: Chenhao Fang, Jonathan Ratcliff, Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Austin Morales (with P. Bollini), Kai Wu (with L. Grabow), Elmer Ledesma, Prajyot Srivistav
Undergraduate students: Glynn Serida

Awards & Honors

R. H. Wilhelm Award, AIChE (2023)

Award for Excellence in Applied Catalysis, Southwest Catalysis Society (2019)

Fellow, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (2014)

Esther Farfel Award (top honor to university faculty member), University of Houston (2013)

Excellence for Research & Scholarship, Professor Level, University of Houston (2013)

Honorary Professor of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Dept of Chemical Engin. (2013)

Pei Yang University Lectureship, Tianjin University (2013)

Fluor-Daniel Faculty Excellence Award, Cullen College of Engineering (2010)

Honda Initiation Grant Award, Honda Research Institute, “Enhancing Liquid Fuel Yield During Algae Pyrolysis in Structured Catalytic Reactors,” (5 awarded out of 261) (2010)

Outstanding Teaching Award, Cullen College of Engineering (2010)

Abraham Dukler Distinguished Faculty Award, Univ. of Houston, Engineering Alumni Assoc. (2009)

ACS Fuel Division Richard A. Glenn Award for Best Paper presented at ACS 2007 National Meeting Division of Fuel Chemistry (first out of 285 papers); Paper: “Hydrogen Generation and Purification in Pd Nanopore Hollow Fiber Membrane Reactor,” M. P. Harold and S. H. Israni (2008)

Senior Faculty Research Excellence Award, Cullen College of Engineering, U. of Houston (2008)

Best Applied Paper Award — Southwest Section of AIChE, 2007: Lattner, J.R., and M.P. Harold, “Autothermal Reforming of Methanol: Experiments and Modeling,” Catal. Today, 120, 78-89 (2007)

Google Scholar

Selected Publications

Mallapragada, D.S., Y. Dvorkin, M. Modestino, D. V. Esposito, W. Smith, B.-M. Hodge, M. P. Harold, V. M. Donnelly, A. Nuz, C. Bloomquist, K. Baker, L. C. Grabow, Y. Yan, N. Nidhi Rajput, R. Hartman, E. Biddinger, E. Aydil, A. Taylor, “Decarbonization of the Chemical Industry through Electrification: Barriers and Opportunities,” Joule, 7, 23-41 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2022.12.008], 2023
Ratcliff, J., K. Karinshak, P.W. Chen, and M.P. Harold, “Rich Methane Oxidation on Pt+Pd/Al₂O₃: Steady State Performance, Multiplicity Features, and Spatial Patterns”, Chem. Eng. Sci., 282, 119269 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2023.119269], 2023
Song, G., W. Zhou, C. Li, F. Hu, T. Wang, Z. Li, A. Tang, M.P. Harold, and S. Kawi, , “Semi-hollow LTA zeolite membrane for water permeation in CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol,” J. Membrane Sci., 678, 121666 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2023.121666], 2023
Chen, P.W., D. Maiti, L. Grabow, and M.P. Harold, “CH₄ Steam Reforming on Pt+Pd/Al₂O₃Monolith: Impact of Mn_0.5Fe_2.5O₄ Spinel Addition”, Catalysis Science and Technology, 12, 2618-2633 [https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CY00270A], 2022
Gupta A., M. Ambast and M.P. Harold, “NOx and Hydrocarbon Trapping and Conversion in a Sequential Three-Zone Monolith: Spatiotemporal Features,” ACS Eng. Au, 8, 515-534 [https://doi.org/10.1021/acsengineeringau.2c00023] , 2022
Ambast, M., A. Gupta, B. M. Rahman, L. Grabow, and M.P. Harold,, “NOx Adsorption with CO and C₂H₄ on Pd/SSZ-13: Experiments and Modeling,” Appl. Catal. B. Environ., 286, 119871 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2020.119871], 2021
Ambast, M., A. S. A. Malamis, and M.P. Harold, “Coupled Uptake and Conversion of C₁₂H₂₆and NO on Pd/SSZ-13: Experiments and Modeling,” Chem. Eng. J., 423, 129958 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.129958], 2021
Ghosh, R., M.P. Harold, and D. Wang , Selective Oxidation of NH₃ in a Pt/Al₂O₃@Cu/ZSM-5 Core-Shell Catalyst: Modeling and Optimization,” Chem. Eng. J., 418, 129065 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.129065], 2021
Karinshak, K., P.W. Chen, R.F. Liu, and M. P. Harold, “Optimizing Feed Modulation for Coupled Methane and NOx Conversion over Pd-Pt/Mn_0.5Fe_2.5O₄/Al₂O₃ Monolith Catalyst,” Appl. Catal. B. Environ., 304, 120607 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2021.120607], 2021
Zhou, Z., M.P. Harold and D. Luss, “Dynamic Oxygen Storage Capacity of Ceria-Zirconia and Mn_0.5Fe_2.5O₄Spinel: Experiments and Modeling,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 60, 18, 6465–6482 [https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.0c05187], 2021

More Publications

Selected Publications

Bhatia, D., R.D. Clayton, M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “A Global Kinetic Model for NOx Storage and Reduction on Pt/BaO/Al2O3 Monolithic Catalysts,” Catalysis Today, 147S, S250-S256, 2009
Bhatia, D., V. Balakotaiah and M.P. Harold, “Bifurcation Analysis of CO and H2 Oxidation on Pt/Al2O3 Monolith Reactors.” Chem. Eng. Sci., 64, 1544-1558, 2009
Bhatia, D., V. Balakotaiah, M.P. Harold, and R. McCabe, “Experimental and Kinetic Study of NO Oxidation on Model Pt Catalysts,” J. Catalysis, 266, 106-119, 2009
Clayton, R.D., M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Performance Features of Pt/BaO Lean NOx Trap with Hydrogen as Reductant,” AIChE J., 55, 687-700, 2009
Clayton, R.D.., M.P. Harold, V. Balakotaiah, and C.Z. Wan, “Effect of Pt Dispersion on NOx Storage and Reduction in Pt/BaO/Al2O3 Catalyst,” Appl. Catal. B. Environmental, 90, 662-676, 2009
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, 130, 299-311, 2009
Joshi, S., M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “On the Use of External and Internal Mass Transfer Coefficients in the Transient Modeling of Catalytic Monolith Reactors,” Chemical Engineering Science, 64, 4976 - 4991, 2009
Joshi, S., V. Balakotaiah, and M.P. Harold, “Low Dimensional Models for Real Time Simulation of Catalytic Monoliths,” AIChE J., 55, 1771-1783, 2009
Kumar, A., V. Medhekar, M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “NO Decomposition and Reduction on Pt/Al2O3 Powder and Monolith Catalysts Using the TAP Reactor,” Appl. Catal. B. Environmental, 90, 642-651, 2009
Xu, J., M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Microkinetic Modeling of Steady-State NO/H2/O2 on Pt/BaO/Al2O3 Monolith Catalysts,” Appl. Catal. B. Environmental, 89, 73-86, 2009
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, 81, 161-181, 2008
Clayton, R.D., M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “NOx Storage and Reduction with H2 on Pt/BaO/Al2O3 Monolith: Spatio-Temporal Resolution of Product Distribution,” Appl. Catal. B. Environmental, 84, 616-630, 2008
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, 22, 1285-1296, 2008
Nair, B., and M.P. Harold, “Experiments and Modeling of Transport in Composite Pd and Pd/Ag Coated Alumina Hollow Fibers,” J. Membrane Sci., 311, 53-67, 2008
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/Al¬2O3 Monolith Catalysts,”Appl. Catal. B. Environmental, 77, 395-408, 2008
Lattner, J.R., and M.P. Harold, “Autothermal Reforming of Methanol: Experiments and Modeling,” Catalysis Today, 120, 78-89, 2007
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
Nair, B., and M.P. Harold, “Pd Encapsulated and Nanopore Hollow Fiber Membranes: Synthesis and Permeation Studies,” J. Membrane Sci., 290, 182-195, 2007
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Bhattacharya, M. M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Shape Normalization for Catalytic Monoliths,” Chem. Engng. Sci., 59, 3737-3766, 2004
Bhattacharya, M. M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Mass Transfer Coefficients in Washcoated Monoliths,” AIChE J., 50, 2939-2955, 2004
Bhattacharya, M., M.P. Harold, and V. Balakotaiah, “Low Dimensional Models for Stirred Tank Reactors,” Chem. Engng. Sci., 59, 5587-5596, 2004
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
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
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
Muncrief, R., K. Kabin, and M.P. Harold, “NOx Storage and Reduction With Propylene on Pt/BaO/Alumina,” AIChE J., 50, 2526-2540, 2004
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
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