Inorganic-Electrochemistry Seminar

Heterogeneous nanoparticle catalysts are widely used in industry; their high thermal stability makes them well suited for large-scale reactions. However, as compared to homogeneous catalysts, the chemistry (e.g., reaction mechanisms and molecular activation mechanisms) of nanoparticle surfaces is much less diverse. For example, activation of alkane molecules on surfaces typically involves homolytic dissociation of C-H and C-C bonds and surface diffusion of intermediates to adjacent sites. Within this mechanism, there is little room for control of the activated complex during reaction. Additionally, supported particles have a large variety of active phases (dependent on the particle's size and composition). Consequently, differences in the reactivity of adjacent sites lead to multiple reaction products from a single reactant. The lack of a single, well-defined active site makes characterization, modification and optimization of the chemistry and catalytic performance difficult. This presentation will highlight some of the work conducted at Argonne National Laboratory to investigate metal nanoparticles and molecular catalysts prepared on solid supports, metal organic frameworks and porous organic polymers in an attempt to bring homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis closer.