Biographical Information

Education

Professional Experience

Honors and Awards

Institutional and Professional Service during last 5 years

Research Interests

Our research program is focused on fundamental and applied research problems in heterogeneous catalysis, thin films, and chemical sensors. A major theme is the development of correlations between surface structure of materials and their reactivity. The laboratories are equipped with comprehensive catalyst and thin film characterization facilities.

Heterogeneous Catalysis: In the area of heterogeneous catalysis, we focus on correlations between the catalyst structure and composition and catalytic function in reactions of industrial importance. Principles of nucleation, clustering, and growth of small particles on support materials are under investigation, with emphasis on bimetallic catalyst systems and oxide catalysts. Of particular interest are geometric and electronic interactions between catalyst components as a means to modify catalytic activity and selectivity. A major thrust of our research efforts is the characterization of supported catalysts by analytical and high-resolution electron microscopy. The microstructural characterization results are then brought into context with X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption, neutron activation analysis, gas chemisorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data. In-situ spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy are utilized to monitor adsorbed surface species under reaction conditions. These characterization data are then used to interpret kinetic results for hydrogen or oxygen transfer reactions obtained in flow reactors.

Current catalysis projects include autothermal reforming of hydrocarbons, solid oxide fuel cell anode catalysts, automotive emission control catalysis, Fischer-Tropsch catalysis, and partial oxidation of hydrocarbons.

Thin Films and Microelectronic Gas Sensors: An interdisciplinary research effort has led us to the development of microelectronic gas sensors for a wide range of important applications, from monitoring the purity of microelectronic processing gases to environmental sensing and automotive exhaust gas sensing. The sensors are silicon-based or gallium nitride micromachined devices containing temperature-programmable ultra-thin sensing films. Chemical species are detected on the basis of several principles, including gas adsorption-induced resistance and work function changes.

Recent Publications and Patents

Journal Articles

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2012
“Effects of oxide supports on ethylene epoxidation activity over Ag-based catalysts”, Atiporn Chongterdtoonskul, Johannes W. Schwank, and Sumaeth Chavadej, Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical, 358 (2012) 58-66. doi:10.1016/j.molcata.2012.02.011

“Synthesis of Ni@SiO2 nanotube particles in a water-in-oil microemulsion template”, Dahlberg, K.A., Schwank, J. W.,. Chemistry of Materials 2012 vol. 24, no. 14, (2012) 2635-2644.

“Effect of tin on MnOx-CeO2 catalyst for SCR of NOx by ammonia:  Enhancement of activity and remarkable resistance to SO2”. Huazhen Chang, Junhua Li, Xiaoyin Chen, Lei Ma, Shijian Yang, Johannes Schwank, and Jiming Hao, Catalysis Communications 27 (2012) 54-57.

“Ethylene Epoxidation Activity Over Ag-Based Catalysts on Different Nanocrystalline Perovskite Titanate Supports”, ” Atiporn Chongterdtoonskul, Johannes W. Schwank, and Sumaeth Chavadej, Catalysis Letters, 142 (8) (2012), 991-1002.

2011
“Preparation of Au/Y2O3 and Au/NiO catalysts by co-precipitation and their oxidation activities”, Thammanoon Sreethawong, Norsit Sitthiwechvijit, Apiwat Rattanachatchai, Piya Ouraipryvan, Johannes  W. Schwank, and Sumaeth Chavadej, Materials Chemistry and Physics 160, 212-219 (2011)

“Effect of metal particle size on sulfur tolerance of Ni catalysts during autothermal reforming of isooctane”, Joseph M Mayne, Kevin A Dahlberg, Thomas A Westrich, Andrew R Tadd, and  Johannes W. Schwank, Applied Catalysis A: General 400 (1-2), 203-214 (2011).

“Reactivity of NH3 over (Fe)/H-ZSM-5 zeolite: studies of temperature-programmed and steady-state reactions”, X.Y. Chen and J.W. Schwank, Catalysis Today 175(1) 2-11 (2011).

“High-temperature photocatalytic ethylene oxidation over TiO2”, Thomas A. Westrich, Kevin A. Dahlberg, Massoud Kaviany, and Johannes W. Schwank, Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 115 (33), (2011) 16537-16543

2010
“Solid-state transformation of hollow silica microspheres into hierarchical ZSM-5 having tunable mesopores”, Hui Feng, Xiaoyin Chen, Honghon Shan, and Johannes W. Schwank, Catalysis Communications 11 (8), 700 -704 (2010).

“Effects of synthesis conditions on dimensions, structure, and oxygen content of photocatalytically active titania nanotubes”, E. Ranney, J. Mansfield, K. Sun, and J. Schwank, J. Mat. Research 25, 89-95 (2010).

“Catalytic reforming of liquid hydrocarbons for on-board solid oxide fuel cell auxiliary power units”, Johannes W. Schwank and Andrew R. Tadd, Catalysis 22, 56-93 (2010).

“The influence of thiophene on the isooctane reforming activity of Ni-based catalysts”, J.M. Mayne, A. R. Tadd, K. A. Dahlberg, and J. W. Schwank, Journal of Catalysis 271, 140-152 (2010).

“Characterization of uniform, nanodispersed NOx storage catalyst materials synthesized by successive ionic layer deposition”, Thomas I. Gilbert and Johannes W. Schwank, Catalysis Communications 11, 896-900 (2010).

“Oxidation of oxygenated volatile organic compound over monometallic and bimetallic Ru-Au Catalysts”, Thammanoon Sreethawong, Duangdao Sukjit, Piya Ouraipryvan, Johannes W. Schwank, and Sumaeth Chavadej, Catal. Lett 138 160-170 (2010).

“Isooctane decomposition and carbon deposition over ceria-supported nickel catalysts”, T.A. Westrich, XY Chen, and J. W. Schwank, Applied Catalysis A-General 386, 83-93 (2010).

“Investigation on NOx Storage Characteristics and Aging Influence of Lean NOx Trap Model Catalyst BaO-Pt/Al2O3”, Xiaoyin Chen and Johannes W. Schwank, SAE Technical Paper 2010-01-0364, 2010, doi:10.4271/2010-01-0364.

“Toluene Steam Reforming over Transition Metals-Doped CeO2-ZrO2 Supported Nickel Catalysts”, Vissanu Meeyoo, Asawin Bampenrat, Pramoch Rangsanvigit, Thirasak Rirksomboon, Boonyarach Kitiyanan, and Johannes Schwank, Preprints of Symposia, American Chemical Society, Division of Fuel Chemistry 55(1),  511-512 (2010).

2009
“Direct electro-chemical oxidation of hydrocarbon fuels on SOFCs: improved carbon tolerance of Ni alloy anodes compared to pure Ni”, E. Nikolla, J. Schwank, and S. Linic,  Journal of the Electrochemical Society 156 (11) (2009) B1312-B1316.

“n-Dodecane reforming over monolith-based Ni catalysts: SEM study of axial carbon distribution profile:, X.Chen, B. Gould, and J. W. Schwank, Applied Catalysis A, General, 356 (2) (2009) 137-147.

"Measuring and relating the electronic structure of nonmodel supported catalytic materials to their performance", E. Nikolla, J. Schwank, S. Linic, J. Am.Chem. Soc., 131(7), (2009) 2747-2754.

“Comparative study of the kinetics of methane steam reforming on supported Ni and Sn/Ni alloy catralysts: the impact of the formation of Ni alloy on chemistry”, E. Nikolla, J. Schwank, and S. Linic, Journal of Catalysis 263 (2009) 220-227

“The effect of downstream synthesis gas feeding on Fischer–Tropsch product distributions”,J.M. Bucher, J. Schwank, Fuel Processing Technology 90 (2009) 1009-1015

2008
"n-Dodecane reforming over nickel-based monolith catalysts: Deactivation and carbon deposition." Benjamin D. Gould, Xiaoyin Chen, Johannes W. Schwank. Applied Catalysis A: General. 334.1-2 (2008): 277-290.

"Hydrocarbon steam reforming on Ni alloys at solid oxide fuel cell operating conditions." Eranda Nikolla, Johannes W. Schwank, Suljo Linic. Catalysis Today. 136.3-4 (2008): 243-248.

"iso-Octane partial oxidation over Ni-Sn/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 catalysts." Sitthiphong Pengpanich, Vissanu Meeyoo, Thirasak Rirksomboon, Johannes Schwank. Catalysis Today. 136.3-4 (2008): 214-221.

"Effect of support on ethylene epoxidation on Ag,Au, and Au-Ag Catalysts", Sumaeth Chavadej, Siriphong Rojluechai, Johannes W. Schwank, and Vissanu Meeyoo, Chapter 9 in "Mechanisms in Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Epoxidation Catalysis", pp.271-284, Elsevier 2008.

2007
"The Effect of Nb Loading on Catalytic Properties of Ni/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 Catalyst for Methane Partial Oxidation." Sitthiphong Pengpanich, Vissanu Meeyoo, Thirasak Rirksomboon, Johannes Schwank. Journal of Natural Gas Chemistry. 16.3 (2007): 227-234.

"Carbon deposited on Ni/Ce-Zr-O isooctane autothermal reforming catalysts." Xiaoyin Chen, Andrew R. Tadd and Johannes W. Schwank. Journal of Catalysis. 251.2 (2007).

"n-Dodecane reforming over nickel-based monolith catalysts."Benjamin D. Gould, Xiaoyin Chen and Johannes W. Schwank. Journal of Catalysis. 250.2 (2007): 209-221.

"Electrical conductivity responses and interactions of poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid)/zeolites L, mordenite, beta and H2." Kaneungit Thuwachaowsoan, Datchanee Chotpattananont, Anuvat Sirivat, Ratana Rujiravanit, Johannes W. Schwank. Materials Science and Engineering B. 140 (2007): 23-30.

"Promotion of the long-term stability of reforming Ni catalysts by surface alloying."Eranda Nikolla, Johannes W. Schwank, Suljo Linic. Journal of Catalysis 250 (2007): 85-93.

"Nickel-catalyzed autothermal reforming of jet fuel surrogates: n-Dodecane, tetralin, and their mixture." Benjamin D. Gould, Andrew R. Tadd, Johannes W. Schwank. Journal of Power Sources. 164.1 (2007): 344-350.

"Induced interaction between polypyrrole and SO2 via molecular sieve 13X." Boonchoy Soontornworajit, Ladawan Wannatong, Piyanoot Hiamtup, Sumonman Naimlang, Datchanee Chotpattananont, Anuvat Sirivat, and Johannes W. Schwank. Materials Science and Engineering B: Solid-State Materials for Advanced Technology. 136 (2007): 78-86.

"Steam effect on NOx Reduction over Lean NOx Trap Pt-BaO/Al2MO3 Model Catalyst." Xiaoyin Chen and Johannes W. Schwank. Topics in Catalysis. (2007) (in press).

"Catalytic activity of ethylene oxidation over Au, Ag, and Au-Ag catalysts: Support effect." S. Rojluechai, S. Chavadej, Johannes W. Schwank, and V. Meeyoo. Catalysis Communications. 8 (2007): 57-64.

2006
"Techno-economic analysis of fuel cell auxiliary power units as alternative to idling." S. Jain, H-Y. Chen, and Johannes W. Schwank. Journal of Power Sources 160 (2006): 474-484.

"Successive ionic layer deposition: possibilities for gas sensor applications." G. Korotcenkov and Johannes W. Schwank. Journal of Physics: Conference Series 15 (2005): 45-50.

"Successive ionic layer deposition (SILD) as a new sensor technology: synthesis and modification of metal oxides." G. Khorotcenkoc, V. Tolstoy, and Johannes W. Schwank. Measurement Science and Technology. 17 (2006): 1861-1869.

"Improvement of CO sensitivity in GaN-based gas sensors." Eunjung Cho, Dimitris Pavlidis, Guangyuan Zhao, Seth M. Hubbard and Johannes W. Schwank. IEICE Transactions on Electronics E89C.7 (2006) 1047-1051.

"Hydrogen production from partial oxidation of iso-octane over Ni/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 and Ni/Al2O3 catalysts." Pengpanich, S., Meeyoo, V. , Rirksomboon. T. , and Johannes W. Schwank. Applied Catalysis A: General. 302.1 (2006): 133-139.

"Controlling carbon surface chemistry by alloying: Carbon tolerant reforming catalysts." Eranda Nikolla, A. Holewinski, Johannes W. Schwank, and S. Linic. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 128 (2006): 11354-11355.

"Activity of ethylene epoxidation over high surface area alumina support Au-Ag catalysts." Rojlueachai, S., Chavadej, S., Johannes W. Schwank, and Meeyoo, V. Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan 39.3 (2006): 321-326.

2005
"Thermal Decomposition of Dispersed and Bulk-like NOx Species in Model NOx Trap Materials." Xiaoyin Chen, Johannes W. Schwank, John Li, William F. Schneider, Christian T. Goralski, Jr. and Peter J. Schmitz. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental. 61 (2005): 164-175.

"Polyaniline/zeolite composites and electrical conductivity response towards CO-N2." Chuapradit, C; Wannatong, L. R; Chotpattananont, D; Hiamtup, P; Sirivat, A; Johannes W. Schwank. Polymer. 46 (3): 947-953 (2005).

"Polyaniline/polyimide blends as gas sensors and electrical conductivity response to CO-N2 mixtures." Watcharaphalakorn, S; Ruangchuay, L; Chotpattahanont, D; Sirivat, A; Johannes W. Schwank. Polymer International. 54.8 (2005): 1126-1133.

"Packed Bed versus Microreactor Performance in Autothermal Reforming of Isooctane." Andrew R. Tadd, Benjamin D. Gould, and Johannes W. Schwank. Catalysis Today. 110 (2005): 68-75.

"Electrical conductivity of polyaniline/zeolite composites and synergetic interaction with CO." Nataporn Densakulprasert, Ladawan Wannatong, Datchanee Chotpattananont, Piyanoot Hiamtup, Anuvat Sirivat, and Johannes W. Schwank. Materials Science and Engineering B. 117 (2005): 276-282.

"A thermogravimetric determination of dispersed and bulk-like barium species supported on gamma-alumina." Xiaoyin Chen; Johannes W. Schwank; John, L. H; Schneider, W.F. ; Goralski, C.T.; Schmitz, P. J,. Journal Of Materials Chemistry. 15 (3): 366-368 (2005).

2004
"Temperature-Programmed Desorption Of Methanol And Oxidation Of Methanol On Pt-Sn/Al2O3 Catalysts." P. Chantaravitoon, S. Chavadej, and Johannes W. Schwank. Chemical Engineering Journal. 97.2-3 (2004): 161-171.

"Selective Conductivity Response Of Polypyrrole-Based Sensor On Flammable Chemicals." Ruangchuay, L; Sirivat, A; Johannes W. Schwank. Reactive & Functional Polymers. 61.1 (2004): 11-22.

"Pt-Sn/Al2O3 Catalysts: Effect Of Catalyst Preparation And Chemisorption Methods On H2 and O2 Uptake." P. Chantaravitoon, S. Chavadej, and Johannes W. Schwank. Chemical Engineering Journal. 98.1-2 (2004): 99-104.

"Influence of Cu-, Fe-, Co-, and Mn-oxide Nanoclusters on Sensing Behavior of SnO2 Films."Korotcenkov, G; Macsanov, V; Brinzari, V; Tolstoy, V; Johannes W. Schwank; Cornet, A; Morante, J. Thin Solid Films. 467.1-2 (2004): 209-214.

"Electrical conductivity response of polypyrrole to acetone vapor: effect of dopant anions and interaction mechanisms." Ruangchuay, L; Sirivat, A; Johannes W. Schwank. Synthetic Metals. 140.1 (2004): 15-21.

"Autothermal Reforming of Simulated Gasoline in Compact Fuel Processor." Andrew R. Tadd, Benjamin D. Gould, and Johannes W. Schwank. Chemical Engineering Transactions. 4 (2004): 75-80.

2003
"Using of SILD Technology for Surface Modification of SnO2 Films for Gas Sensor Applications."G. Korotcenclov, V. Macsanov, Y. Boris, V. Brinzari, V. Tolstoy, Johannes W. Schwank, and J. Morante. Surface Engineering 2002- Synthesis, Characterization and Applications. Mater. Res. Soc. Symposium Proceedings. 750 (2003): 585-590.

"Influence Of Surface Pd Doping On Gas Sensing Characteristics Of SnO2 Thin Films Deposited By Spray Pyrolysis." G.Korotcenkov, V.Brinzari, Y.Boris, M.Ivanov, Johannes W. Schwank, and J.Morante. Thin Solid Films 436.1 (2003): 119-126.

"Adhesion and Permeability of Polyimidie-Clay Nanocomposite Film for Protective Coating." Orasa Khayankarn, Rathanawan Magaraphan, and Johannes W. Schwank, Journal of Applied Polymer Science 89 (11) (2003) 2875-2881.

"Structural and gas response characterization of nano-size SnO2 films deposited by SILD method." G. Korotcenkov, V. Macsanov, V. Tolstoy, V. Brinzari, Johannes W. Schwank, and G. Faglia. Sensors and Actuators B-Chemical. 96.3 (2003): 602-609.

"Polypyrrole/poly(methylmethacrylate) blend as selective sensor for acetone in lacquer." L. Ruangchuay, A. Sirivat, and Johannes W. Schwank. Talanta. 60.1 (2003): 25-30.

"A novel Pt-AlGaN/GaN heterostructure Schottky diode gas sensor on Si." Zhao, G.Y.; Sutton, W; Pavlidis, D; Piner, E.L. ; Johannes W. Schwank, and Hubbard, S. IEICE Transactions On Electronics. E86C.10 (2003): 2027-2031.

2002
"Surface Degradation of a-Naphtalene Sulfonate-doped Polypyrrole During XPS Characterization." L.Ruangchuay, Johannes W. Schwank, and A. Sirivat. Applied Surface Science. 9167 (2002): 1-10.

"Possibilities of Aerosol Technology for Deposition of SnO2-based Films with Improved Gas Sensing Characteristics." G. Korotcenkov, V. Brinzari, Johannes W. Schwank, and A. Cherniavskii. J. Materials Sci. and Eng. C 19 (2002): 73-77.

"Possibilities Of Aerosol Technology For Deposition Of SnO2-Based Films With Improved Gas Sensing Characteristics." G. Korotcenkov, V. Brinzari, Johannes W. Schwank. Materials Science Eng. C-Biomimetic and Supramolecular Systems 19.1-2 (2002): 73-77.

"Morphological Rank of Nano-scale Tin Dioxide Films Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis from SnCl45H2O Water Solution."V. Brinzari, G. Korotcenkov, Johannes W. Schwank, V. Lantto, S. Saukko, and V. Golovanov. Thin Solid Films 408.1-2 (2002): 51-58.

"Higher-Order Corrections to the Pi-Criterion Using Center Manifold Theory." C. Kravaris, S. Thompson, and Johannes W. Schwank. Proceedings, IEEE 2002 Conference on Decision and Control, Dec. 10-13,2002, Las Vegas, NV.

"Electrical Conductivity Response of Polyaniline Films to SO2-NO2 Mixtures: Effect of DopantType and Doping Level." P. Kiattibutr, L. Tarachiwin, L. Ruangchuay, A. Sirivat, Johannes W. Schwank. Reactive and Functional Polymers. 53.1 (2002): 29-37.

"Electrical Conductivity Response of Polyaniline Films to Ethanol-Water Mixtures." L. Tarachiwin, P. Kiattibutr, L. Ruangchuay, A. Siriwat, and Johannes W. Schwank. Synthetic Metals. 129 (2002): 303-308.

"Chemisorptional Approach to Kinetic Analysis of SnO2:Pd-based Thin Film Gas Sensors." V. Brinzari, G. Korotcenkov, Johannes W. Schwank, and Y. Boris. J. of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials 4.1 (2002): 147-150.

"Characterization of Pt-Sn/Carbon Hydrogenation Catalysts." G. Neri, C. Milone, S. Galvagno, A.P.J. Pijpers, and Johannes W. Schwank. Appl. Catal. A-General. 227 (2002): 105-115.

Patents

Go to Journal Articles / Top of page

1. 'Bimetallic Cluster Catalysts', M. D. Curtis, J. Schwank, L. T. Thompson, P. D. Williams, U.S. Patent 4,605,751 (1986)

2. ‘ Modified Molybdenum Sulfide Hydrodesulfurization/ Hydrodenitrogenation Catalysts, Process for Their Preparation, and Their Use in Removing Sulfur and/or Nitrogen from Hydrocarbon Feedstocks’, M. A. Villa-Garcia and Johannes Schwank, U.S. Patent 4,952,547 (Aug. 28, 1990)

3. ‘Ultrathin-Film Gas Detector’, C. L. Johnson, J. Schwank, K. Wise, U.S. Patent 4,953,387 (Sept. 4, 1990)

4. 'Solid State Chemical Micro-Reservoirs'. K. D. Wise, J. W. Schwank, J. L. Gland, U.S. Patent 5,262,127 (Nov. 16, 1993)

5. 'In-situ Monitoring and Growth of Thin Films by Means of Selected Area CVD', J. L. Gland, J. W. Schwank, and K. D. Wise, U.S. Patent 5,296,255 ( March 22, 1994).

6. ' 'Solid State Chemical Micro-Reservoirs'. K.D. Wise, J. W. Schwank, J.L. Gland, U.S.Patent 5,385,709 (Jan.31, 1995)

7. ‘Hot Stage for Scanning Probe Microscope’, M. DiBattista, S. V. Patel, J. L. Gland, and J.W.Schwank, U.S. Patent 5,731,587 (March 24, 1998).

Courses Taught at the University of Michigan

Undergraduate ChE Courses

ChE 230 - Thermodynamics I
ChE 342 - Heat and Mass Transfer
ChE 344 - Reaction Engineering and Design
ChE 460 - Chemical Engineering Laboratory II
ChE 470 - Colloids and Interfaces
ChE 486 - Chemical Process Simulation and Design I
ChE 487 - Chemical Process Simulation and Design
ChE 496 - Selected Topics: Hydrogen Technology I

Graduate ChE Courses

ChE 542 - Intermediate Transport Phenomena
ChE 628 - Industrial Catalysis
ChE 696 - Selected Topics: Chemical Sensors
ChE 696 - Selected Topics: Fuel Cells and Fuel Processors
ChE 696- Selected Topics: Hydrogen Technology
ChE 697 - Problems in Chemical Engineering: Thin Films and Catalysis

ChE Course Descriptions