Monolayer Support Control and Precise Colloidal Nanocrystals Demonstrate Metal-Support Interactions in Heterogeneous Catalysts

Electronic and geometric interactions between active and support phases are critical in determining the activity of heterogeneous catalysts, but metal-support interactions are challenging to study. Here, it is demonstrated how the combination of the monolayer-controlled formation using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and colloidal nanocrystal synthesis methods leads to catalysts with sub-nanometer precision of active and support phases, thus allowing for the study of the metal-support interactions in detail. The use of this approach in developing a fundamental understanding of support effects in Pd-catalyzed methane combustion is demonstrated. Uniform Pd nanocrystals are deposited onto Al2O3/SiO2 spherical supports prepared with control over morphology and Al2O3 layer thicknesses ranging from sub-monolayer to a approximate to 4 nm thick uniform coating. Dramatic changes in catalytic activity depending on the coverage and structure of Al2O3 situated at the Pd/Al2O3 interface are observed, with even a single monolayer of alumina contributing an order of magnitude increase in reaction rate. By building the Pd/Al2O3 interface up layer-by-layer and using uniform Pd nanocrystals, this work demonstrates the importance of controlled and tunable materials in determining metal-support interactions and catalyst activity.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates the importance of electronic and geometric interactions between active and support phases in heterogeneous catalysts, focusing on the challenging study of metal-support interactions. By utilizing ALD and colloidal nanocrystal synthesis methods, catalysts with sub-nanometer precision of active and support phases were prepared, allowing for detailed examination of metal-support interactions. The research highlights the significant impact of coverage and structure of Al2O3 at the Pd/Al2O3 interface on catalytic activity, with even a single monolayer of alumina contributing to a tenfold increase in reaction rate.