The objective of this U.S.-Poland research project between Dr. Israel Wachs of Lehigh University and Dr. Jerzy Haber of the Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, is to establish a unified, scientific understanding of metal oxide interactions at interfaces and the influence of these interactions upon catalysis. The researchers will focus on supported vanadium oxide catalysts because of the importance of these catalytic materials, their use as model systems in the literature, and the prior research efforts of both investigators with these materials. The results of this project will be an improved understanding of the nature of metal oxide interactions with oxide supports useful in attempts to modify the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of solid metal oxide surfaces (e.g.: biomaterials, ceramics, coatings, electrodes, electronic devices, optical devices, pigments superconductors, and sensors). This project in chemical engineering fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and pool resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
