The Nucleation and Growth of Nanoparticles for Heterogeneous Catalysis

These studies investigate the nucleation and growth of nanoparticles and how their interaction with a support affects their reactivity as a heterogeneous catalyst. As capabilities in both synthesis methods and characterization methods advance, the use of nanoparticles and sub-nanometer species are more commonly used. These small particles introduce new factors that can cause differences in reactivity. Various catalyst synthesis methods are employed to deposit mono-dispersed particles on different oxide and carbon supports. Electron microscopy is used to study nanoparticle sintering and the careful tracking of individual particles gives insight into growth mechanisms. X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements are used to characterize catalysts and elucidate the reasons for a support effect in both hydrogenation and oxidations reactions. This investigation aims to produce a more active catalyst by exploring different aspects that play a role in reactivity and selectivity. Understanding the growth mechanisms that commonly to lead deactivation gets us one step closer to creating a sinter resistant catalyst. These studies also show that changing a catalyst support can increase its activity. The exploration of the fundamentals of nanoparticle structure and interaction with its surroundings leads to a more efficient catalyst.

Name thesis:degree_name

Chemical Engineering

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemical and Biological Engineering

Year

2015

Author dc:creator

• Benavidez, Angelica

Contributors dc:contributor

• Datye, Abhaya
• Loehman, Ronald
• Karim, Ayman
• Challa, Sivakumar

• heterogeneous catalysis
• nucleation

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/cbe_etds/30

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalrepository.unm.edu:cbe_etds-1029