Building Heterogeneous Catalysts an Atom at a Time

Abstract

Nanometer-size metal particles attached to catalyst supports make up the most important class of industrial catalysts, and are vital to our fuel, textile, chemical, and environmental protection industries. How these interesting materials are produced and learning how they work is a fascinating topic, and is well-suited for classroom instruction. One approach is to prepare the nanometer particles by adding one atom at a time at low temperatures, using metal vaporization techniques. These and other recent experiments have shed light on detailed functions of the particles. Especially by studying bimetallic systems, electronic and ensemble (geometric) effects have been clarified. In addition, strong-support-metal-interactions (SMSI) may be explained by geometric decoration effects. Thus, morphology is extremely important. Recent experiments on platinum-tin particles will be briefly reviewed. Studies in this area are leading the way in the new field of nanotechnology.