Patricia Kooyman

SARChI Chair Nanomaterials for Catalysis

Catalysis Institute, University Of Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

3 profile visitsResearcher

Inorganic materials preparation and characterisation. (Supported) metal nanoparticles, oxides, porous materials. (Operando) HRTEM.

My organisation

At the Catalysis Institute, we recognize the pivotal role of heterogeneous catalysts in modern society. These materials are essential for over 90% of all chemical processes globally, playing a critical role in various industries. While traditionally associated with the petrochemical sector, our research is at the forefront of developing sustainable processes, driving us towards a circular economy. Comprehensive Catalyst Research Our institute conducts cutting-edge research covering all aspects of catalyst development: Synthesis and Modification: Innovating new catalysts and enhancing existing ones. Physico-Chemical Characterisation: Specialising in characterisations specifically under operational conditions to ensure real-world applicability. Performance and Stability Testing: Evaluating catalysts under industrially relevant conditions. Theoretical Modelling: Advancing the understanding of catalytic processes and materials through sophisticated modelling. Leading the Way in South Africa and Beyond As the premier research group in heterogeneous catalysis in South Africa, we pride ourselves on our strong international collaborations. We maintain excellent relationships with academic groups across Europe, North America, and Asia, and engage in significant partnerships with both domestic and global industries. The Institute hosts several prestigious programs and centres, including: DSI HySA/Catalysis Centre of Competence: Developing South African fuel cell and electrolysis technology. DSI Research Flagship Program CoalCO2-X: Dedicated to synthesising diesel fuels from carbon dioxide and green hydrogen.
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About me

Patricia obtained her MSc from Leiden University (The Netherlands), studying the selective reduction of nitrosobenzene over mixed manganese oxides. She obtained her PhD from Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands) studying TS-1 zeolite synthesis and catalytic applications. Following a post-doc at Shell research centre (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), she learned all about TEM during a long post-doc period at the NCHREM (Delft, The Netherlands). Subsequently she was appointed assistant professor at the Chemical Engineering department (catalysis engineering group) at Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands). She came to South Africa in 2015 as SARChI Chair Nanomaterials for Catalysis.

She has always enjoyed travelling and has held many short-term visiting scientist positions throughout her career.

Her research focusses on heterogeneous catalysis, especially catalyst characterisation. She is an expert in high resolution transmission electron microscopy and is one of the pioneers in gas-phase in situ TEM.

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Skills

  • Transmission electron microscopy (operando)
  • Nanomaterial synthesis
  • Nanomaterial characterisation
  • Zeolites
  • Oxidic catalysts
  • Supported metal catalysts
  • Hydrocracking (dewaxing)
  • CO removal from hydrogen

Interests

  • Heterogeneous Catalysis
  • Energy transition
  • WGS, PROX, SMET
  • Dewaxing, hydrocracking
  • Sustainable catalysis
  • Materials Characterisation