Fundamental Investigation of Molybdenum Nitride and Carbide Catalysts: Minority Research Initiation Award

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This proposal aims to determine the effects of phasic composition, surface structure, and stoichiometry on the catalytic properties of molybdenum nitrides and carbides. A series of thin films with well-defined structures anad stoichiometries are synthesized, evaluated for catalytic activity, and characterized. Thin films are prepared with ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD), a technique that permits growth of compound materials with control over structure and stoichiometry. Hydrodenitrogenation of pyridine, dehydrogenation of cyclohexane, and hydrogenolysis of cyclohexane are used to test for ability to activate C-N, C-H, or C-C bonds, respectively. Primary characterization is done with Auger spectroscopy, temperature-programmed desorption, and temperature-programmed reaction. Other techniques employed include X-ray diffraction, Rutherford back-scattering, and electron microscopy. The objective of this effort is to develop relationships between the structural, electronic, and catalytic properties of early transition-metal nitrides and carbides, starting with molybdenum. These have potential for a variety of commercial processes including petroleum refining, pollution abatement, and conversion of gaseous resources into liquid fuels; in many cases, they are prospective substitutes for rare and expensive platinum-group metals. The results of this work may also be applicable in tribology and electrochemistry.