Multi-Component Assembly of High Surface-Area Ordered Oxide-Metal Nanocomposites with Enhanced Catalytic Properties

Peidong Yang, Principle Investigator

The ultimate goal of catalysis research is to achieve 100% selectivity for the desired products at maximum turnover rate (activity) without generating undesired byproducts. Development of a high surface area model catalyst will enable the study of the molecular ingredients that control activity and, more importantly, selectivity in the multifunctional (oxide / metal) composite systems. This program develops methods for making sub-10 nm metal nanocrystals with narrow particle size distribution and well-defined shape. These nanoparticles are then assembled into 2-dimensional arrays using Langmuir-Blodgett techniques or are embedded in mesoporous oxide supports and/or in single crystalline oxide nanocrystal matrices.  These composites serve as high surface area model catalyst systems with the precise control of nanocrystal size, shape, surface and interface imparting desired reaction selectivity and activity.

 

CURRENT PROJECTS

  • Extending the shape growth of nanocrystals to bimetallic systems.
  • Developing shape control chemistry for the sub-10 or even sub-5 nm range.
  • Developing methods for anchoring a metal nanocrystal monolayer onto oxide substrates without significantly altering the particle shape. 
  • Process development for the growth of shaped oxide nanocrystals and the study of their assembly.
  • Co-assembly of shaped metal and oxide nanocrystals.
  • Developing a colloidal process for the synthesis of heterostructured metal-oxide binary nanocrystals.
  • Investigating metal nanocrystal stability using environmental high resolution TEM.
  • Demonstrating the catalytic activity/selectivity of Pt nanocrystals with different shapes.
  • Testing the catalytic properties of shaped Rh, Pd nanocrystals as well as bimetallic Pt-Rh, Pt-Ni, and Pt-Pd systems.
  • Using metal/oxide 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional nanocomposites as platforms to test  their catalytic activity and selectivity, in collaboration with the G. Somorjai group.