Unraveling Reactions Mechanisms on Au-titania Nanostructures: Probing Interface Effects

Harvard University, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

Professor Cynthia M. Friend of Harvard University is supported by the Chemical Catalysis Program in the Division of Chemistry to explore the role of the interface in hybrid Au/TiO2 on the catalytic oxidative transformations of organic species on these hybrid catalysts. Oxygenates will specifically be investigated because of their prevalence in important chemical processes, including production and processing of alternative fuels. The experimental plan is designed to test the hypothesis that the transfer of active oxygen across the metal oxide-metal interface may be an important step in this process. Molecular-scale imaging using STM will be employed to characterize the surface, and product distributions and reaction temperatures will be used as a probe for the migration of active oxygen across the Au/TiO2 interface. The electronic structure of sites near the Au-TiO2 interface will be probed with theoretical DFT methods. The project will tackle a key fundamental issue in heterogeneous catalysis: the effect of metal-metal oxide interfaces in determining the efficiency and selectivity of catalytic processes of significance to alternative energy research. The educational activities include a renewed commitment to recruit future generation of scientists from members of traditionally underrepresented groups into the research program, and a renewed focus on educating the public on energy-related issues.