Fen Xu

Title: Fen Xu and Her Catalyst Innovations.

Introduction

Fen Xu is an inventor based in Orem, Utah, whose patent work focuses on methods for preparing catalysts used in chemical processes. Her inventions address catalyst composition and manufacturing, including approaches designed to create texturized materials through solvent-deficient reactions. Xu is associated with Brigham Young University and holds 2 patents.

Latest Patents

Xu’s patent portfolio includes two inventions related to catalyst preparation.

Iron and Cobalt Based Fischer-Tropsch Pre-Catalysts and Catalysts. This invention describes a method for producing iron- or cobalt-based pre-catalysts and catalysts in activated, finished form for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The process combines an iron or cobalt salt, a base, and a metal oxide textural promoter or support in a solvent-deficient environment. The resulting material is calcined at approximately 300–500°C to produce a metal oxide. To prepare the catalyst, the metal oxide is reduced in hydrogen at approximately 300–500°C, followed by carbiding when the reduced metal is iron.

Single Reaction Synthesis of Texturized Catalysts. This invention describes making a texturized catalyst by reacting catalyst precursor materials and support materials in a single, solvent-deficient reaction. A high-surface-area, high-porosity, stable metal oxide may serve as the textural promoter or support. The resulting catalyst can take the form of particles or a coating, including a partial coating, on a support surface.

Career Highlights

Xu’s patents highlight a focus on catalyst synthesis and the preparation of materials for Fischer-Tropsch processes. Both inventions use solvent-deficient reaction methods, offering approaches to combine catalyst precursors and support materials while producing catalysts with tailored textures.

Collaborations

Xu’s listed coworkers include Calvin H. Bartholomew and Xuchu Ma. Her association with Brigham Young University connects her patent work with the university’s research community.

Conclusion

Fen Xu’s two patents center on practical methods for synthesizing texturized catalysts and iron- and cobalt-based materials for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.