Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 120 times greater than that of carbon dioxide on a per-mass basis. Mitigating methane emissions offers a critical opportunity for rapid and significant climate action, but a major challenge is that 80% of these emissions are dilute. This research will optimize a copper-zeolite catalyst for mitigating low-level methane emissions through oxidation. The catalyst effectively uses the porous structure of zeolites to store metal ions and enhance oxidation. While synthetic zeolites are common, natural zeolites are more abundant, sustainable, and cost-effective. This project will explore the potential of natural zeolites to improve methane oxidation and their practical benefits.

I am excited about this SuperUROP opportunity because it will help me develop the skills for independent, advanced research. I look forward to applying the technical knowledge from my coursework and previous projects. Contributing meaningful research in the field of climate change is both rewarding and inspiring to me.