Supported palladium catalysts

In order for biomass to become a viable source of energy, heterogeneous catalysts need to be able to target specific functionalities on complex, oxygen rich biomolecules to aid in their breakdown. A method for synthesizing metal nanoparticle (NP) catalysts with a structured surrounding environment using ALD has been developed with the goal of catalyzing selective functionalities. The method involves growing uniform, dispersed Pd nanoparticles, protecting the particles with a blocking agent, growing a metal oxide structure around the nanoparticle using ALD and removing the blocking agent. Work is being done to explore the shapes and sizes of nanobowls that can be produced using this procedure as well as the catalytic activity and selectivity of the materials.

Figure 1:
Nanobowl synthesis by atomic layer deposition (ALD)

Natalie Ray

Grant: IACT