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| Vol. 17, No. 24 | March 19, 1998 |
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| Vol. 17, No. 24 | March 19, 1998 |
The International Association of Catalysis Societies has selected Mark Barteau, Robert L. Pigford Professor of Chemical Engineering, as the first recipient of its International Catalysis Award.
The new honor is given to "encourage individual contributions by a young person in the field of catalysis." Nominations are based on the significance of the nominee's published works, a particular contribution made by the nominee, his or her qualifications, biography, accomplishments and letters of recommendation.
The IACS consists of societies in nearly every industrial nation in the world that represent scientists who research catalytic reactions. Catalysis is at the core of the chemical and petroleum industries; for example, it is estimated that one-third of all manufactured products involve at least one catalytic step.
Barteau's research centers on chemical reactions on model surfaces of metals and metal oxides and the application of these to understand and to invent new catalysts and processes. His current work focuses on creating more efficient and environmentally benign processes through catalysis.
One example, developed, in part, with the Delaware Research Partnership Program, is the catalytic synthesis of ketenes-compounds used in paper chemicals, pharmaceuticals and rubber products. His patent for the process could make the production of paper, drug and rubber products less wasteful and more environmentally friendly.
IACS will confer the award once every four-years during its international congress on catalysis. Barteau will receive a certificate and cash prize at the IACS meeting in Granada, Spain, in 2000. He has been asked to give a lecture on his research at the award ceremony.
