Processing and characterisation of novel self-assembled heterocatalysts

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The aims of this project are to process and characterise self assembled heterocatalysts using a novel technique, known as DNA Origami. This should produce platinum catalysts of the required nanoscale structure with an enhanced stability. The proposed research objectives are:1. To process and produce self assembled heterocatalysts using DNA strands as the catalyst support in the initial processing stages via a technique known as DNA origami. 2. To convert the DNA support into a carbon based support via a graphitisation process, to make the product properties more suitable for its potential application i.e in fuel cells for the generation of power. 3. To explore the optimisation of the processing method by investigating the influence of process parameters such as temperature, pressure or the type of buffer employed on the final product attributes measured. In addition, improved purification techniques can be studied to increase the final product quality and enable higher product recovery. 4. The final product properties can be measured using appropriate characterisation methods such as X-ray studies, chemisorption techniques (to determine the platinum metal dispersion in structure) and Transmission Electron Microscopy or Scanning Electron Microscopy to observe the morphology of the catalyst structure. The physical and chemical properties of the catalyst product can be measured using spectroscopic techniques like infra-red spectroscopy. 5. The product properties and morphology results can be compared to those of a traditional heterocatalyst and the processing method can be optimised accordingly to enable the establishment of a nano-heterocatalyst product with the desired attributes.