Further investigations of assisted pyrolysis by the addition of ethane as a free-radical initiator were carried out during this reporting period. The effects of temperature, space velocity, and ethane/methane ratio, in the presence of quench water, have been addressed. As expected, reaction quenching resulted in lower conversions than without quenching, but also in significantly lower yields of {open_quotes}tar-like{close_quotes} products. High C{sub 2}/C{sub 1} ratios and low space velocities result in significant increases in the {open_quotes}tar-like{close_quotes} product yields. Very low ethane concentrations were required to initiate methane pyrolysis at lower temperatures without a major negative effect on product selectivities.

The KY DOE/EPSCoR Subcommittee formulated a plan to improve the competitiveness of KY scientists and engineers in energy research. A state-wide assessment established the importance of support for graduate student education in carbon-based materials, catalysis, environmental impact and bioremediation. Four areas of focus in which research proposals were solicited from state universities were fossil energy, health and environmental research, high energy and nuclear physics, and materials. Four research clusters and six educational projects were identified for inclusion in the response to the solicitation.