David Rimer

David Rimer is an American chemical engineer and materials scientist recognized for his pioneering research in the synthesis, design, and application of zeolites and related porous materials. He is a professor in the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston. Rimer's work, which integrates fundamental studies of crystal growth with practical applications in heterogeneous catalysis and separations, has significantly advanced the field of molecular sieve technology.

Early life and education

David Rimer completed his undergraduate studies in chemical engineering at the University of Delaware, a program known for its strength in catalysis and material science. He subsequently earned his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Houston, where his doctoral research focused on the mechanisms of crystal nucleation and growth under the guidance of prominent figures in the field. His early academic training provided a strong foundation in the kinetics and thermodynamics governing the formation of microporous and mesoporous materials.

Academic career

Following his Ph.D., Rimer joined the faculty of the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering. He holds a primary appointment in the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and maintains active collaborations with the Texas Center for Superconductivity and the University of Houston Energy Research Park. His research group operates at the intersection of chemical engineering, chemistry, and nanoscience, often utilizing advanced characterization techniques at facilities like the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. Rimer has held visiting scholar positions at several international institutions, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Amsterdam.

Research and contributions

Rimer's research is centered on the rational design and synthesis of zeolites, which are aluminosilicate frameworks used extensively as catalysts in the petrochemical industry for processes such as fluid catalytic cracking and alkylation. His group has made seminal contributions to understanding the role of organic structure-directing agents and inorganic cations in controlling zeolite polymorphism and crystal size. A key innovation involves the development of growth modifiers to tailor crystal habit and enhance catalytic activity, work published in high-impact journals like *Science* and the Journal of the American Chemical Society. His investigations into interzeolite transformations and seeded growth have provided new pathways for synthesizing commercially important frameworks like SSZ-13 and ZSM-5 with improved performance in reactions such as the methanol-to-olefins process.

Awards and honors

For his contributions, David Rimer has received several prestigious awards. These include the AIChE Professional Progress Award for outstanding progress in chemical engineering and the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, which supports early-career faculty. He has also been honored with the ExxonMobil Solid State Chemistry Award and the North American Catalysis Society’s Paul H. Emmett Award in Fundamental Catalysis. His research has been funded by major agencies and corporations, including the U.S. Department of Energy, the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund, and Chevron Corporation.

Personal life

David Rimer maintains a private personal life. He is actively involved in mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at the University of Houston and participates in professional service for organizations like the Materials Research Society and the International Zeolite Association. His commitment to education extends to outreach programs aimed at promoting STEM fields in the Greater Houston area.

Category:American chemical engineers Category:University of Houston faculty Category:Zeolite scientists Category:Living people