Heterogeneous Catalysis on Plasmonic Metallic Nanostructures: Selective Catalytic Conversion at Lower Temperatures co-Driven by Solar and Thermal Energy

密歇根大学安娜堡分校的Suljo Linic教授是由化学系的化学催化项目和化学、生物工程、环境、科学与技术学院的催化和生物催化项目共同支持的。与传统的热驱动过程相比，银（Ag）的等离子体纳米结构可以同时利用热能和低强度光子通量来驱动银纳米粒子在更低温度下的催化氧化反应。目标尺寸和形状的银纳米结构将被制备并用于调节表面等离子体的能量和控制高能电子向吸附态（轨道）的转移，以实现选择性化学转化。提出的实验将与理论计算相结合。尽管多年来在多相催化科学方面取得了实质性进展，但在合理设计和合成靶向化学转化的催化材料方面仍有许多工作要做。该研究将集中于研究等离子体金属纳米结构的潜力，利用低强度光通量激活目标化学转化，使催化剂在较低温度下工作。这有望显著提高催化剂的稳定性、能量效率和产物选择性。学生们将接受尖端研究方法的培训，并将组织活动，利用YouTube等内容传播的网络工具，向高中生和普通大众传授多相催化的知识。

Professor Suljo Linic of the University of Michigan Ann Arbor is jointly supported by the Chemical Catalysis Program of the Division of Chemistry and the Catalysis and Biocatalysis Program of the Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems Division to test the hypothesis that plasmonic nanostructures of silver (Ag) can concurrently utilize thermal energy and a low intensity photon flux to drive catalytic oxidation reactions on Ag nanoparticles at lower temperatures than conventional thermally-driven processes. Ag nanostructures of targeted sizes and shapes will be prepared and used to tune the energy of surface plasmons and control the transfer of energetic electrons into adsorbate states (orbitals) in order to achieve selective chemical transformations. The proposed experiments will be combined with theoretical calculations.Despite substantial advances in the science of heterogeneous catalysis over the years, much remains to be done for the rational design and synthesis of catalytic materials for targeted chemical transformations. The proposed research will focus on the investigation of the potential of plasmonic metallic nanostructures to activate targeted chemical transformations using low intensity light flux, allowing the catalysts to operate at lower temperatures. This promises to significantly improve catalysts stability, energy efficiency, and product selectivity. Students will be trained in sophisticated research methods, and activities will be organized to educate high school students and the general public on heterogeneous catalysis using web vehicles of content delivery such as YouTube.