Randall A Winans

Title: Innovations in Catalysis by Randall A. Winans

Introduction

Randall A. Winans is a prominent inventor based in Downers Grove, IL (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of catalysis, particularly in the development of nanocatalysts. With a total of 2 patents, his work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and selectivity of catalysts used in industrial applications.

Latest Patents

Winans' latest patents include the invention of subnanometer and nanometer catalysts, along with a method for preparing size-selected catalysts. These highly uniform cluster-based nanocatalysts are supported on technologically relevant materials and are synthesized for reactions of top industrial relevance. The platinum-cluster based catalysts developed by Winans have demonstrated remarkable performance, outperforming the best reported ODHP catalyst by up to two orders of magnitude in both activity and selectivity. The results indicate that highly dispersed ultra-small platinum clusters, precisely localized on high-surface area supports, can lead to affordable new catalysts for efficient and economic propene production. This innovation also simplifies the separation of the final product. The combined GISAXS-mass spectrometry technique provides an excellent tool for monitoring the evolution of size and shape of nanocatalysts under realistic conditions. Additionally, Winans has provided sub-nanometer gold and size-selected silver catalysts that exhibit size-dependent tunable catalytic properties in the epoxidation of alkenes.

Career Highlights

Winans is currently associated with UChicago Argonne, LLC, where he continues to push the boundaries of catalysis research. His work has been instrumental in developing new methodologies that enhance the performance of catalysts, making them more effective for industrial applications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Winans has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Stefan Vajda and Michael J. Pellin. These collaborations have further enriched his research and contributed to advancements in the field of catalysis.

Conclusion

Randall A. Winans is a key figure in the innovation of nanocatalysts, with his patents paving the way for more efficient industrial processes. His contributions to the field are significant and continue to influence the development of advanced catalytic materials.