Structure Sensitivity in Steam and Dry Methane Reforming over Nickel: Activity and Carbon Formation Journal Article
In: ACS Catalysis, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 1428-1438, 2020.
Jelle Kranenborg
CO2 hydrogenation on copper: structure sensitivity and support effects
Catalytic CO2 hydrogenation to methanol is one of the most promising routes for CO2 utilization [1]. This reaction is known to be structure sensitive. That is, for this reaction not all surface atoms of a catalytically active metal nanoparticle have the same activity [2]. However, the active phase of the reaction is still highly debated. In this project, we aim to get a deeper understanding about the workhorses behind this reaction: copper catalysts that facilitate the activation of CO2 and H2 and convert it into CH3OH and H2O.
By tuning electronic and geometric properties, we will be able to study structure sensitivity and support effects. This will be studied using operando techniques such as infrared spectroscopy. Part of this research will be done in the group of Dr. Maarten Nachtegaal, at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland.
[1] Vogt et al., Nat. Catal. 2019, 2, 188-197.
[2] Van Santen, Acc. Chem. Res. 2009, 42, 57-66.