Research Overview

My principle research interests lie in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, with a particular emphasis on how activity and selectivity of hydrogenation catalysts (typically supported metals) can be manipulated by careful design.  This can be achieved by a number of methods which include:

• Alloy formation and controlling surface composition
• Modifying surface properties by adsorption of organic ligands
• Incorporation of an inorganic element to change the structure (i.e., Pd + S)

Prepared catalysts can be characterised by a number of different techniques which range from routine (i.e., XRD, microscopy, physisorption or chemisorption) to more specialised (i.e., in-situ FTIR, temperature programmed methods and XAS).  Catalyst performance is then evaluated by testing in either the liquid or gas phase at either ambient or elevated pressure/temperature.  The most common reaction of interest is the selective hydrogenation of an alkyne to an alkene without over-hydrogenation to the alkane.  This is a process of importance with regards to polymer production (i.e., polyethylene or polypropylene) and commodity chemicals in a number of areas.  Other reactions of interest include Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and the preparation of alkenes from unconventional routes.

Standout papers to date include:

1. Selective hydrogenation of mixed alkyne/alkene streams at elevated pressure over a palladium sulfide catalyst.  A.J. McCue, A. Guerrero-Ruiz, C. Ramirez-Barria, I. Rodriguez-Ramos and J.A. Anderson.  Journal of Catalysis, 355 (2017) 40-52.
2. Quantification and qualification by in-situ FTIR of species formed on supported-cobalt catalysts during the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. A.I. McNab, A.J. McCue, D. Dionisi and J.A. Anderson. Journal of Catalysis, 353 (2017) 286-294.
3. Palladium sulphide - A highly selective catalyst for gas phase hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes.   A.J. McCue, A. Guerrero-Ruiz, I. Rodriguez-Ramos and J.A. Anderson.  Journal of Catalysis, 340 (2016) 10-16.
4. Cu/Al2O3 catalyts modified with Pd for selective hydrogenation.  A.J. McCue, C.J. McRitchie, A.M. Shepherd and J.A. Anderson.  Journal of Catalysis, 319 (2014) 127-135.

Teaching Responsibilities

I currently coordinate our Oil & Gas Masters programme and teach on the following courses:

CM1522 - Elements of Chemistry 2

CM4518 - Advanced Chemistry 3 (Catalysis)

CM4521 - Intregrated Chemistry

CM5535 - Chemistry of Refinery and Natural Gas Processes

CM5536 - Flow Assuracne and Oil Field Chemicals

CM5537 - Applied Analytical and Instrumental Methods

EG551Y - Oil and Gas Chemistry