Robert B. Wilson Jr
Director
Chemical Science & Technology

Since joining SRI in 1982, Dr. Wilson has made significant contributions in the areas of catalysis and chemical processes. As Director of the Catalysis & Analytical Chemistry Unit, he focuses on project work involving organometallic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical inorganic chemistry, and homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.

Representative projects that Dr. Wilson has spearheaded at SRI include:  

• Evaluation of metallocene catalysts for commercial production of polyolefins
• Development of new single-site catalysts for olefin polymerization, cationic initiators for cationic polymerization
• Development of inorganic and organometallic materials for facilitated transport of gases
• Application of inorganic polymers for binders, thin films, and fibers
• Synthesis and evaluation of novel heterogeneous oxidation catalysts for selective oxidation of methane and evaluation of homogeneous catalysis for commercial applications
• Homogeneous catalysis of oxidation, amines, and C-N bond-forming and -breaking reactions
• Synthesis and evaluation of supported oxidation catalysts, heterogeneous Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, and heterogeneous HDN catalysts
• Development of zeolites catalysts
• Hydrolysis of phosphorus- and sulfur-containing organics
• Inorganic environmental chemistry, including synthesis and evaluation of organometallic corrosion inhibitors and development of improved organometallic sources for CVD of thin films

Dr. Wilson is a member of the American Chemical Society, Inorganic Division, Organometallic Subdivision, and has served as secretary-treasurer for the California Catalysis Society. He belongs to the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has served as treasurer for the group's Santa Clara Valley Section. Additionally, he has served as chairman of the National ACS Meeting Site Selection Subcommittee (1990) and the Nominations and Election Committee of the SCVS-ACS (1988-1990.) Dr. Wilson has 40 professional publications to his credit and holds two patents.

Dr. Wilson earned a B.S. in chemistry from Ohio State University in 1977 as well as an M.S. in chemistry in 1979 and a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry in 1982, both from the University of Michigan.

Contact Dr. Wilson at:
PHONE: (650) 859-5954
robert.b.wilson@sri.com