Karen J. Nordheden
Associate Professor, Graduate Recruiter
4132D Learned Hall
1530 W 15th St
Lawrence, KS 66045
Phone: (785) 864-8820
Fax: (785) 864-4967
E-mail: nordhed@ku.edu
Education
- BS, Physics, Michigan State University
- MS, Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- PhD, Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Research Interests
My research interests are in the areas of microfabrication, plasma processing, and catalytic reforming. Our current project involves plasma catalysis of two greenhouse gases, methane and carbon dioxide, to produce syngas (H2 and CO) in collaboration with the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC). A major drawback of using a conventional dry reforming catalysis method is the high process temperature, which leads to high energy and equipment costs as well as easier coke formation on the catalyst surface. The integration of non-thermal plasma technology and catalysis is an attractive alternative since it should allow for a reduction in the operating temperature of the reforming reactor. The energetic electrons and active species in the plasma (ionized gas) can stimulate chemical reactions even when the bulk gas is near room temperature. When combined with a catalyst, the hybrid plasma catalysis process can promote reaction pathways to form desired products.
top