Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Noble metal'

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2005.
Wang, Zhong Lin, Committee Member ; Whetten, Robert L., Committee Member ; El-Sayed, Mostafa A., Committee Member ; Dickson, Robert M., Committee Chair ; Lyon, Andrew L., Committee Member.

This research emphasizes on the use of seeded growth in synthesis of noble metal nanocrystals with precise control over the size, shape, and composition. In the first part of this work, I have produced Au nanocrystals with single-crystal structure and truly spherical profiles and investigated their optical properties and self-assembly as induced by dilution with water. These Au nanospheres were generated in high yield and purity, together with controllable sizes continually increased from 5 to 150 nm. I also found these Au nanospheres self-assembled into dimers, larger aggregates, and wavy nanowires, respectively, as diluted with water. In the second part of this work, I demonstrate the kinetic control can be implemented to control the shape of mono- and bi-metallic nanocrystals in seeded growth. The as-prepared single-crystal nanospheres of Au were employed as seeds to synthesize of tetrahedral Au nanocrystals and Au@Pd core-shell nanocrystals with six distinct shapes. The success of the two demonstrations relies on manipulation of reaction kinetics to achieve different product shapes. The reaction kinetics was controlled by varying a set of reaction parameters, including the type and concentration of capping agent, the amount of reductant, and the injection rate of metal precursor solution. In the final part of this work, I will discuss an unusual change in crystallinity observed in seeded growth of Au nanocrystals on Au seeds. In particular, single-crystal Au seeds treated with a chemical species could develop twin defects during the seed-mediated growth process to yield multiply twinned products.

At present modulators in communications industry utilize non-linear materials like indium tin oxide (ITO) and DLD-164 as a dielectric, which makes the fabrication process cumbersome and expensive. This thesis discusses the possibility of using only gold and air as conductor and dielectric to characterize a signal modulating device. Both electro-absorption modulation (EAM) and phase change driven modulation is possible with the design. For the change in phase a length of 2.992 µm for the modulating arm of a Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) was achieved for operation at 525 nm. High absorptions of electromagnetic (EM) waves was seen at the 480 nm mark allowing a length of just 4.95 µm for EAM. The results suggest that an all plasmonic noble metal modulator utilizing air as a dielectric is possible for operation in the visible 400 nm to 700 nm range. The concept is supported by proof-of-principle based simulations.

This thesis proposes a novel idea of an all plasmonic modulator driven by changes in free carrier concentration in gold and surface plasmon polariton (SPP) excitations under an applied potential. The prototype model is simulated using a commercial finite difference time domain solver. The simulation enviro nment allows Maxwell’s equations to be solved in the time domain to investigate light propagation and absorption characteristics under an externally applied electric potential. The free carrier concentration dependent permittivity of gold is exploited to investigate possible applications in nano-photonics and optical communications.

In dieser Dissertation wurden die ungewöhnlichen und einzigartigen Eigenschaften von Edelmetall-Clustern untersucht, die durch Quantum-Confinement im Sub-Nanometer-Bereich entstehen. Dabei zeigt sich, dass die chemischen und physikalischen Eigenschaften und damit die Funktionen nicht vom Festkörper abgeleitet werden können und stark von der Anzahl der Atome abhängen. Die erzielten theoretischen Ergebnisse wurden in enger Zusammenarbeit mit experimentell arbeitenden Partnergruppen erzielt. Dabei hat sich gezeigt, dass durch die enge Kooperation zwischen Theorie und Experiment ein tiefes Verständnis von fundamentalen Prozessen und den zugrunde liegenden Mechanismen erlangt werden kann. Im Rahmen dieser Dissertation wurden die Reaktivität von geladenen Goldoxid-Clustern in der Gasphase, die ultraschnelle Dynamik von Edelmetall-Clustern und deren Komplexen sowie die optischen Eigenschaften von kleinen, deponierten Silber-Clustern untersucht und damit Beiträge geliefert, die einzigartigen Eigenschaften von Edelmetall-Clustern im Zusammenhang mit der heterogenen Katalyse und Nano-Optik besser zu verstehen.
In this thesis, the unique novel properties of noble metal clusters which arise in the sub-nanometer size regime due to quantum confinement have been theoretically explored. It has been demonstrated that by adding or removing a single atom the chemical and physical properties and functionality of noble-metal clusters can strongly change. The theoretical results have been derived in close cooperation with experimental findings of partner groups demonstrating that by joint theoretical and experimental efforts thorough understanding of fundamental processes and underlying mechanisms can be achieved. This thesis addresses the reactivity of charged gas-phase gold-oxide clusters in the context of the heterogeneous gold nano-catalysis, the ultrafast dynamical properties of noble-metal clusters and their complexes, and the optical properties of silver clusters at surfaces.

The focus of this thesis has been organometallic catalysis applied to compounds containing heteroatoms which are usually poisonous to metal catalysts, by channelling their innate reactivity advantageously. The studies described in this thesis concentrate, in the first part, on iridium catalysed asymmetric hydrogenation (papers I and II) and in the second part, on gold catalysed internal rearrangements (papers III and IV). In each case, two classes of compounds are studied: pyridinium salts or sulphurous compounds. The asymmetric hydrogenation of pyridinium compounds was performed with 2% loading of N,P-ligated Ir catalyst with I2 additive (paper I) to achieve moderate to good enantiomeric excess (up to 98%). In paper II, olefinic sulphones were hydrogenated with an efficient 0.5% catalytic loading. In most cases full conversion was obtained and with good to excellent ees (up to 99%). The products of these reductions are chiral compounds, which could constitute further chemical building blocks. Palladium and gold were used sequentially in paper III, in order to perform a “Click” thiol-yne reaction followed by a semi-Pinacol rearrangement, leading to isolated yields of up to 98%. In paper IV The gold catalysed rearrangement of alkyl-pyridinium diynes was conducted, with a number of substrates providing >90% NMR yield. A highly selective hydrogenation was performed with a heterogeneous palladium catalyst to yield single diastereomer products. This methodology consists of up to three steps, with two catalysts in one pot.

Commercial organic dyes are widely used for cellular staining due to their small size, high brightness, and chemical functionality. However, their blinking and photobleaching are not ideal for studying dynamics inside live cells. An improvement over organics and much larger quantum dots, silver nanodots (Ag NDs) exhibit low cytotoxicity and excellent brightness and photostability, while retaining small size. We have utilized ssDNA hairpin structures to encapsulate Ag NDs with excellent spectral purity, high concentration, and good chemical and photophysical stability in a variety of biological media. Multi-color staining of fixed and live cells has been achieved, suggesting the promise of Ag NDs as good fluorophores for intracellular imaging. The great brightness and photostability of Ag nanodots indicate that they might be outstanding imaging agents for in vivo studies when encapsulated in delivery vehicles. In addition, Ag NDs can be optically modulated, resulting in increased sensitivity within high backgrounds. These good characteristics are combined with delivery vehicles such as PLGA and nanogels. After encapsulation, Ag nanodots still retain their good photophysical properties and modulation. It might be useful for in vivo applications in the near future

Shape and size control as well as the control of the assembly of nanostructures are current challenges in nano sciences. Focussing on metal nanostructures all of these aspects have been addressed in the frame of the present work. It was possible to develop a new aqueous seeded growth method that produces gold nanoparticles with adjustable diameters over a large range of sizes. The spherical particles obtained show very low polydispersities and a good long term stability. Furthermore it was possible to reveal the growth mechanism of these particles utilizing electron microscopy and optical investigations coupled with theoretical calculations. It was found that there is a formation of small nucleation sites on the surface of the seeds in the beginning of the growth process. These sites then subsequently grow into "blackberry-like" intermediate particles. A final intraparticle ripening step leads to smooth and uniform spherical gold nanoparticles. By correcting the dielectric function of gold for charging and the free mean path effect and taking into account the particle size distribution it was possible to accurately model the optical properties of the gold sols obtained using Mie theory. By controlling the concentration of chloride ions it was possible to influence both the ripening of the "blackberry-like" shaped particles and the morphology of gold nanoparticles. An increased concentration of the chloride ions in the standard citrate reduction procedure leads to larger and elongated particles, whereas the complete removal of the chloride ions made it possible to obtain star shaped, decahedral and \"desert-rose\" shaped particle morphologies. Using the layer-by-layer technique gold nanoparticles of different sizes could be immobilized on glass substrates. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering intensity of these mixed films were about 60% higher than compared to a film made of a single particle size. The optical properties were further investigated by comparing experimentally obtained UV/Vis spectra with generalized Mie theory simulations. Additionally it could be shown that tetrazole and its derivatives are suitable stabilizing agents in the aqueous synthesis of silver nanoparticles. It was found that depending on the tetrazole derivative used the tendencies of the nanoparticles to agglomerate vary significantly. Different agglomeration stages have been investigated by UV/Vis and Raman spectroscopy. The removal of the ligands used and a resulting improvement of the applicability of the silver nanostructures as SERS substrates is still a challenge. In the last part of this work the focus was changed from the optical properties of noble metal nanoparticles to their catalytic properties. Therefore gold and palladium nanoparticles have been successfully immobilized on highly porous zinc oxide aerogels. It was possible to synthesize sponge-, flake-, and ribbon-like zinc oxide gels with high specific surface areas. The facile approach of generating mixed metal oxide/noble metal aerogels is very promising for the preparation of highly selective and highly active heterogenous catalysts. First catalytic investigations of a sponge-like palladium loaded zinc oxide aerogel toward the semi-hydrogenation of acetylene showed very high selectivities of up to 85%.

In this work, the fabrication of noble metal nanostructures with interesting and useful optical properties was investigated. Nanoporous alumina templates were used as a basis for the production of gold nanowire and nanotube arrays, and the fabrication conditions can be changed to alter the array dimensions. The structures were characterised optically and the modes observed were described using finite element analysis; nanowires support a transverse and longitudinal resonance at non-zero angles, and nanotubes have a broad resonance at normal incidence. These resonances are highly sensitive to the dielectric environment surrounding their surface. Additionally, polymer nanodome arrays were created using a process of soft nanoimprint lithography, leading to the creation of uniform nanostructures over a large area. The domes were then coated in a thin film of gold or silver which allowed the domes to support localised surface plasmon resonances which were also found to be highly sensitive to the surrounding medium. Throughout this work, the potential for each nanostructure to be applied to plasmonic sensing was realised. The advantages of using arrays of nanowires and nanotubes is that, unlike label-based techniques which only confirm the presence or absence of a detector molecule, they are label-free methods which provide direct information on analyte binding to the target molecules via a change in the observed optical properties. The optical properties of the nanostructures produced in this work have been studied extensively and the effect of changing the dimensions of these are well understood. This means that the nanostructures used in this work show great potential for applications which involve sensing on the molecular level, particularly due to the tunability of their resonance peaks and the ability to produce the nanostructures uniformly over large areas.

In the last decades, the research field known as nanotechnology has been deeply investigated since it helps to understand the properties of the materials, and provides a useful tool to design materials with tailored properties, that can be exploited for many applications across the whole field of science. Nanomaterials exhibit distinctive size-dependent properties, and a high surface to volume ratio, extremely useful in applications like sensing and catalysis. In this doctoral project, different combinations of noble metals and transition metal oxides have been used to prepare inorganic thin films to be used as reducing gases sensors through an optical interface: while the semiconductive metal oxide is usually responsible for the detection mechanism, metal nanoparticles play the role of optical probes, enhancing the optical response, and/or catalysts, improving the sensor performances. The main work presented here was focused on the synthesis of these nanocomposite materials through different strategies, according to the desired quality of the final material, the easiness of the procedure, the control on key aspects like size and shape of the particles, their size distribution, the crystallinity of the different components, the porosity. In the first part, noble metal (Au, Ag, Pt) ions have been embedded inside oxide matrixes by means of sol-gel or impregnation processes, and reduced to metal nanoparticles through high temperature annealing, which is necessary also to promote the oxides crystallization: remarkable gas sensing properties have been observed for NiTiO3-TiO2-Au films for hydrogen sulfide detection, with extremely good sensitivity and selectivity towards interfering gases like CO and H2. The experimental results suggest a catalytic oxidation of H2S to sulfur oxides promoted by NiTiO3 crystals, while Au nanoparticles are not involved directly in the reaction mechanism, but act as probes providing an easily detectable optical signal. Quite good sensing properties for CO and hydrogen detection have been presented for other nanocrystalline thin films like SiO2-NiO-Ag prepared combining sol-gel and impregnation processes, sol-gel ZnO-NiO-Au nanocomposites, and microstructured WO3-Au-Pt films synthesized with the sputtering technique and a subsequent impregnation process. The second part is based on the colloidal synthesis of metal (Au, Pt, Au@Pt core@shell) and oxide (TiO2, ZnO pure and doped with transition metal ions) nanoparticles with desired size and distribution: purification and concentration protocols have been developed and the final colloidal solutions have been directly used for films deposition, obtaining nanocrystalline coatings at low temperatures. TiO2-based films show good sensitivity for CO and H2, with a detection threshold of about 2 ppm, quite remarkable considering that films are only 40-60 nm thick. These materials were also able to detect ethanol vapors at room temperature. Moreover samples containing both Au and Pt NPs are able to reversibly detect hydrogen at room temperature, thanks to the synergetic effect occurring between the optical properties of Au and the catalytic properties of Pt. ZnO-based samples have been tested as CO sensors with a detection limit down to 1-2 ppm, and a relationship between type of dopant (Ni, Co, Mn) and response intensity has been presented. The third part is focused on the deposition of Au nanoparticles layers on properly functionalized substrates, and their subsequent coating with sol-gel films: when Au nanoparticles are in close contact with each other, a coupling of the plasmon frequencies is found to occur, and this effect can be used to enhance sensing, SERS and catalytic performances. Au nanoparticles layers covered with NiO or TiO2 films showed promising gas sensing properties for CO and hydrogen detection at high temperatures, and for ethanol sensing at low temperatures. More complex structures composed of an Au nanoparticles layer sandwiched between two different oxide layers (NiO, TiO2, ZnO) are also prepared, trying to enhance the selectivity towards interfering gases by providing two different noble metal / metal oxide interfaces.
Negli ultimi decenni, il campo delle nanotecnologie è stato largamente studiato, poiché tramite esso si è in grado di comprendere le proprietà dei materiali, ed esso stesso fornisce un mezzo per progettare materiali aventi le proprietà desiderate, che possono essere utilizzati in diverse applicazioni nell’intero campo della scienza. I nanomateriali presentano interessanti proprietà dipendenti dalla dimensione delle particelle, e inoltre il rapporto superficie-volume in questi materiali è estremamente alto, il che li rende utili per applicazioni in sensoristica e catalisi. In questo progetto di dottorato, diverse combinazioni di metalli nobili e ossidi di metalli di transizione sono state sfruttate per preparare film sottili inorganici, utilizzati come sensori ottici di gas riducenti: solitamente l’ossido semiconduttivo è responsabile per il meccanismo di rilevazione, mentre le nanoparticelle metalliche agiscono da sonde ottiche, aumentando la sensibilità, e/o da catalizzatori, migliorando le prestazioni del sensore. Il principale lavoro presentato in questa tesi è stato focalizzato sulla sintesi di questi materiali attraverso diverse strategie, a seconda della qualità desiderata per il materiale finale, della semplicità operativa, del controllo su parametri chiave come forma e dimensione delle particelle, la loro distribuzione dimensionale, la cristallinità dei diversi costituenti, la porosità. Nella prima parte, ioni di metalli nobili (Ag, Au, Pt) sono stati inseriti all’interno di matrici di ossidi attraverso sintesi sol-gel o processi di impregnazione, e successivamente ridotti a particelle metalliche attraverso trattamenti termici ad alta temperatura, che sono necessari anche per la cristallizzazione degli ossidi: i sistemi NiTiO3-TiO2-Au hanno dimostrato notevoli proprietà sensoristiche nella rilevazione di acido solfidrico, con elevata sensibilità e selettività nei confronti di gas interferenti quali H2 e CO. I risultati sperimentali suggeriscono un effetto dei cristalli di NiTiO3 nel promuovere l’ossidazione catalitica dell’H2S a ossidi di zolfo, mentre le nanoparticelle di oro non sono coinvolte direttamente nella reazione, ma agiscono come sonde ottiche, producendo un segnale ottico facilmente rilevabile. Discreti risultati per la rilevazione di CO e idrogeno sono stati presentati per altri film sottili nanocristallini, come SiO2-NiO-Ag, preparati combinando la tecnica sol-gel e il processo di impregnazione, film sol-gel a base di una matrice di ZnO e NiO contenenti nanoparticelle di Au, e film microstrutturati di WO3 contenenti nanoparticelle di Au e Pt sintetizzati combinando sputtering e impregnazione. La seconda parte di questa tesi è basata sulla sintesi colloidale di nanoparticelle di metalli (Au, Pt, Au@Pt core@shell) e di ossidi (TiO2, ZnO puro e drogato con ioni di metalli di transizione), aventi la desiderata dimensione e distribuzione dimensionale: protocolli di purificazione e concentrazione sono stati sviluppati, e le soluzioni ottenute sono state direttamente utilizzate per la deposizione di film sottili, ottenendo così rivestimenti nanocristallini a bassa temperatura. I film a base di TiO2 hanno mostrato buona sensibilità per idrogeno e CO, con un limite di rilevazione di circa 2 ppm, notevole se considerato che i film sono spessi solo 40-60 nm. Inoltre questi materiali si sono dimostrati capaci di rilevare vapori di etanolo a temperatura ambiente. Infine, campioni contenenti nanoparticelle di oro e platino sono in grado di rilevare idrogeno a temperatura ambiente, grazie all’effetto sinergico che avviene tra le proprietà ottiche dell’oro e quelle catalitiche del platino. I film a base di ZnO sono stati testati come sensori di CO, dimostrando una soglia di rilevazione di circa 1-2 ppm, e una relazione fra il tipo di dopante utilizzato (Ni, Co, Mn) e l’intensità della risposta è stata presentata. La terza parte è focalizzata sulla deposizione di strati di nanoparticelle di oro su substrati opportunamente funzionalizzati, e il loro successivo ricoprimento con film sol-gel: quando le particelle di oro sono molto vicine le une alle altre, le risonanze plasmoniche si accoppiano, e questo effetto può essere sfruttato per migliorare le prestazioni in ambiti quali sensoristica, SERS e catalisi. Strati di particelle di Au ricoperti da film di NiO o TiO2 hanno mostrato promettenti proprietà per la rilevazione di CO e idrogeno ad alte temperature, e di vapori di etanolo a basse temperature. Inoltre, strutture più complesse a base di uno strato di particelle di oro immobilizzato fra due film di ossidi diversi (NiO, TiO2, ZnO) sono state preparate, con lo scopo di migliorare la selettività verso gas interferenti, fornendo due diverse interfacce metallo/ossido.

L’estudi de nanopartícules és una branca fascinant de la ciència. Les seves propietats fortament relacionades amb la seva mida ofereixen innombrables oportunitats per descobriments sorprenents. Tanmateix, el mateix comportament sense precedents que proporciona a aquests nanomaterials el seu gran potencial per a aplicacions tecnològiques innovadores, també planteja grans reptes als científics. Alguns d'aquests reptes són el diseny de síntesis altament controlables i reproduïbles i el desenvolupament d’eines de caracterització i protocols de manipulació precisos que poden diferir dels d’altres materials més convencionals. L'objectiu d'aquesta tesi és proporcionar un marc per al disseny, la síntesi, la caracterització i la modificació superficial de nanopartícules col·loïdals d'or i plata. La tesi consta de diferents capítols que s'ordenen seguint una seqüència lògica que comença per la síntesi de les nanopartícules amb control de grandària, seguida de la caracterització de les seves propietats òptiques i catalítiques, i finalment l'exposició d’aquestes a medis biològics.
Nanoparticle research is a fascinating branch of science. The strongly size-related properties of nanoparticles offer innumerable opportunities for surprising discoveries. However, the same unprecedented behaviour that endows these nanomaterials with their great potential for innovative technological applications, also poses great challenges for scientists. Some of these challenges are the design of highly controllable and reproducible syntheses and the development of precise characterization tools and handling protocols that may differ from those of conventional materials. The aim of this dissertation is to provide a framework for the design, synthesis, characterization and surface modification of colloidal noble metal nanoparticles, with special focus on gold and silver nanoparticles. The thesis consists on different chapters that are ordered following a logic sequence that starts by the aqueous synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles, followed by the characterization of their size-dependent optical and catalytic properties, and finally the exposure of the nanoparticles to biological media.

The research in this study consisted of two strands. The first consists of noble metal geochemical studies and the second involves base metal supergene processes. The precious metal geochemistry carried out in the scope of this thesis involves palladium and tellurium geochemistry, surface chemistry studies of palladium-bismuth- and tellarium-bearing synthetic minerals, and electrochemical determinations of the inactivity of a variety of primary telluride minerals and alloys. Two new minerals have been found in deposits near Broken Hill, N.S.W. The second section of the research concerns itself with supergene processes in two copper-bearing orebodies. This was carried out by designing a method utilising solution equilibria to predict whether secondary mineral species are precipitating or dissolving in the supergene zones of the Girilambone, N.S.W. and North Mungana, Qld. orebodies. Results found could be used to develop new geochemical prospecting methods in the regions discussed.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, Nepean, 1998.
CD-ROM (appendix) contains complete lists of the species distribution for each water sample; the constant correction spreadsheet; and, the possible stability constants for aqueous ionic species as well as the data ranges for both the Girilambone study and the North Mungana study. A thesis presented in accordance with the regulations governing the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University of Western Sydney, Nepean, School of Science. Includes bibliographical references at end of each chapter.

Murrell-Mottram empirical atomistic many-body and Gupta n-body potentials have been used to study various aspects of the cluster chemistry of copper, silver, gold and nickel. Simulated annealing techniques have been used to search for the global minima of the four metals with up to 55 atoms. Icosahedral, decahedral, octahedral, hexagonal closed packed and hexagonal prismatic structures were found. The gold clusters show some rearrangements and distortions from ideal geometries. Polyhedral cluster calculations up to 1 500 atoms predict that icosahedra and truncated octahedra are particularly stable. Calculations on the structures of copper-gold alloy clusters show that gold atoms prefer to occupy the surface of the cluster. A simple approximation to model the passivation of gold clusters by thiol ligands predicts that for 55 atoms the passivated cuboctahedron is more stable than the icosahedron, the reverse of the order for the bare clusters. Molecular dynamics simulations of gold adatoms on the gold (111) surface and of the impact of a 55 atom gold cluster with the gold (111) surface have been performed.

Today, bulk silicon is one of the best studied semiconductors. However, in its different nano-modifications, e.g. as porous silicon, totally new properties are exhibited. Despite the fact, that porous silicon is widely known and has been extensively studied since the 1990s, many unique features of this material are still unexplored. In this work, specific functionalities of porous silicon prepared, utilising both solid (via electrochemical or stain etching processes) and gas phase (from silane) syntheses, were investigated. Since this study was in-part industry oriented, the emphasis has been placed upon the investigation of porous silicon nanostructures, made from low cost metallurgical grade polycrystalline silicon powder. It has been previously demonstrated that porous silicon exhibits a very large, hydrogenated internal surface area (up to 500 m2 g−1). It is verified in this work, that morphological properties of this material result in a high reductive potential of its internal surface due to hydrogen passivation. Therefore, in this thesis, we would like to show that porous silicon-based reactive templates are promising for their applications in nanometal-supported catalysis. We used salts of platinum, gold, palladium, silver and their mixtures, which were reduced on the silicon nanocrystalline internal surface, resulting in formation of metal nanoparticles embedded into porous silicon matrix. Various experimental techniques were used to evaluate the morphology, size and composition of metal nanoparticles, as well as their growth rates. Hydrogen effusion experiments proved the crucial difference between porous silicon and other chemically inert supporting templates for the process of metal nanoparticles formation. The catalytic activity of the synthesised materials was evaluated in gas phase conversion of CO to CO2. Furthermore, the new porous silicon-based catalysts were tested in gas/liquid phase reactions as well, using hydrogenation, oxidation, dehalogenation and C-C coupling class reactions. Following the trends of “state of the art” current Si technology, we present the design of the developed flow microreactor, based on patterned Si wafer, which can be implemented in future work to catalyse selected reactions. Results obtained in this work suggest that porous silicon matrices are promising supports for metal nanoparticle based catalysis.

Dissertation submitted for obtainment of the Master’s Degree in Biotechnology, by the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Metal nanoparticles possess unique optical, chemical and magnetic properties due to their size, shape and composition. Taking advantage of these properties, new biosensors have been developed using, mainly, gold nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles, due to its enhanced surface plasmon resonance extinction coefficient are alternate candidates as labels to biodetection. However, unlike gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticle derivatization with thiol-modified oligonucleotides requires cumbersome and time-consuming protocols. To circumvent this limitation, an approach is the use of gold-silver alloy nanoparticles, taking advantage of the ease of derivatization of gold nanoparticles and the enhanced surface plasmon resonance extinction coefficient of silver nanoparticles. This work describes the synthesis and characterization of gold-silver alloy nanoparticles (50% gold, 50% silver) and their thiol-ssDNA functionalized counterparts (nanoprobes) for application in molecular diagnostics. These new nanoprobes were used to specifically detect a sequence derived from the RNA polymerase -subunit gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiologic agent of human tuberculosis. Complementary targets were detected using a non-cross-linking assay that consists on the spectrophotometric comparison between solutions before and after salt-induced nanoprobe aggregation. This new approach should allow the use of gold-silver alloy nanoparticles with different gold molar fractions, or even bimetallic nanoparticles composed of other metals (e.g., Cu, Pt) in the development of biosensors. The conjugation of these new nanoprobes with the well-established gold nanoparticle system can be the basis of new multiplex methods for specific DNA, RNA and/or other molecules biodetection.

Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Chemistry
Christine M. Aikens
The remarkable optical and luminescence properties of noble metal nanoparticles (with diameters < 2 nm) attract researchers due to potential applications in biomedicine, photocatalysis, and optoelectronics. Extensive experimental investigations on luminescence properties of thiolate-protected gold and silver nanoclusters during the past decade have failed to unravel their exact photoluminescence mechanism. Herein, density functional and time-dependent density functional theory (DFT and TDDFT) calculations are performed to elucidate electronic-level details of several such systems upon photoexcitation. Multiple excited states are found to be involved in photoemission from Au₂₅(SR)₁₈– nanoclusters, and their energies agree well with experimental emission energies. The Au₁₃ core-based excitations arising due to electrons excited from superatom P orbitals into the lowest two superatom D orbitals are responsible for all of these states. The large Stokes shift is attributed to significant geometrical and electronic structure changes in the excited state. The origin of photoluminescence of Ag₂₅(SR)₁₈– nanoclusters is analogous to their gold counterparts and heteroatom doping of each cluster with silver and gold correspondingly does not affect their luminescence mechanism. Other systems have been examined in this work to determine how widespread these observations are. We observe a very small Stokes shift for Au₃₈(SH)₂₄ that correlates with a relatively rigid structure with small bond length changes in its Au₂₃ core and a large Stokes shift for Au₂₂(SH)₁₈ with a large degree of structural flexibility in its Au₇ core. This suggests a relationship between the Stokes shift of gold−thiolate nanoparticles and their structural flexibility upon photoexcitation. The effect of ligands on the geometric structure and optical properties of the Au₂₀(SR)₁₆ nanocluster is explored. Comparison of the relative stability and optical absorption spectra suggests that this system prefers the [Au₇(Au₈SR₈)(Au₃SR₄)(AuSR₂)₂] structure regardless of whether aliphatic or aromatic ligands are employed. The real-time (RT) TDDFT method is rapidly gaining prominence as an alternative approach to capture optical properties of molecular systems. A systematic benchmark study is performed to demonstrate the consistency of linear-response (LR) and RT-TDDFT methods for calculating the optical absorption spectra of a variety of bare gold and silver nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2009.
Committee Chair: Rina Tannenbaum; Committee Co-Chair: Rosario A. Gerhardt; Committee Member: E. Kent Barefield; Committee Member: Karl I. Jacob; Committee Member: Preet Singh; Committee Member: R. Bruce King. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.

Thesis: Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, 2018
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. Page 157 blank. Vita.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 137-153).
Core-shell nanostructures represent a promising and versatile design platform for enhancing the performance of noble metal catalysts while reducing the cost. Early transition metal carbides (TMCs) and nitrides (TMNs) have been identified as ideal core materials for supporting noble metal shells owing to their earth-abundance, thermal and chemical stability, electrical conductivity, and their ability to bind strongly to noble metals while still being immiscible with them. Unfortunately, the formation of surface oxides or carbon on TMCs and TMNs presents a difficult synthetic challenge for the deposition of atomically thin, uniform noble metal layers. Recent advances have enabled the synthesis of TMC core nanoparticles with noble metal shells (denoted as NM/TMC), although applicability toward TMN cores has not been previously demonstrated. Furthermore, the complete properties of these unique materials are still unknown.
This thesis conducts a detailed investigation of the synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance of NM/TMC and NM/TMN core-shell nanoparticles to provide a comprehensive understanding of their material properties and the underlying phenomena. First, in-situ studies yielded insight into the mechanism behind the high temperature self-assembly of NM/TMC particles, indicating the presence of a metallic alloy phase preceding the formation of the core-shell structure upon insertion of carbon into the lattice. Next, the synthesis of NM/TMN nanoparticles was demonstrated via nitridation of a parent NM/TMC, and the structural and electronic properties of both core-shell materials were examined through in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The analysis revealed significant alterations to the electronic structure of the noble metal shell due to bonding interactions with the TMC and TMN cores, which led to weakened adsorbate binding energies.
Finally, the materials displayed improved performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a critical challenge for fuel cell technologies. Notably, particles with complete, uniform shells exhibited unprecedented stability during electrochemical ageing at highly oxidizing conditions, highlighting the great potential of core-shell architectures with earth-abundant TMC and TMN cores for future ORR applications. Overall, this work will provide new opportunities toward the design of enhanced noble metal catalysts and enable further optimization of their performance.
by Aaron R. Garg.
Ph. D.
Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering

Carbon monoxide adsorption, surface speciation and particle size distributions have been studied in platinum, palladium, and rhodium hydrosol systems using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In transmission electron micrographs of unprotected platinum and palladium hydrosols, particle necklacing believed to arise from sintering during preparation, is apparent. The average particle sizes of all hydrosols studied were in the range of 2 to 12 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectra of the metal hydrosols revealed evidence for (Pt-O)ads, Pt(II) and Pt(IV) oxides on platinum hydrosol particles whereas Pd(II) and Pd(IV) oxides were detected on the surfaces of palladium hydrosol particles. These surface oxides are found to be important in influencing hydrosol surface processes such as CO adsorption as a function of pH, inhibition of CO adsorption by alcohols and surface corrosion products resulting from the addition of iodide and cyanide. Fourier transform infrared spectra of CO-treated metal hydrosols revealed bands due to CO linearly adsorbed on the metal particles at ca. 2070 cm-1 (Pt), 2067 cm-1 (Pd) and 2045 cm-1 (Rh) whereas bands due to bridge-adsorbed (B2) CO were detected at ca.1950 cm-1 (Pd) and 1890 cm-1 (Rh). The use of CO as a spectroscopic probe molecule enabled the study of changes in the surface properties of the metal hydrosols which were induced by changes in the dispersion medium. For example, v(CO)ads was observed to decrease in infrared spectra of CO-treated platinum and rhodium hydrosols as pH was increased by KOH or other dissolved salts yielding alkaline solutions. This suggested a reduction in CO coverage resulting from hydroxyl adsorption and consequent increased oxide growth on the particles. In contrast, CO adsorption on platinum and rhodium hydrosols was enhanced in acidic media possibly as a result of the neutralisation of surface hydroxyls. The spectroscopic behaviour of adsorbed CO on platinum and rhodium hydrosols was only comparable to that of CO adsorbed at an electrode surface in acidic media when protecting agent was present which prevented aggregation of the hydrosol in such media. Inhibition of CO adsorption on platinum hydrosols was induced by the addition of aliphatic alcohols, poly(vinyl alcohol) and poisoning anions such as CN- and SH-. Correlations of v(CO)ads with CO coverage suggested that island formation of adsorbed CO was occurring for CO adsorption on unprotected palladium hydrosols and protected platinum and rhodium hydrosols as a function of pH. In allied investigations, an infrared spectroelectrochemical study of corrosion of a nickel electrode in aqueous cyanide media has revealed that [Ni(CN)4]2- is detected at potentials more cathodic than 200 mV vs. SCE. Cyanide was oxidised to cyanate (OCN-) and then successively to carbon dioxide at potentials more anodic than 200 mV vs. SCE. The appearance of features at 2094 cm-1 (HCN) and 2256 cm-1 (HNCO) were attributed to pH changes associated with the oxidation of cyanide to cyanate. The appearance of a band at ca. 2218 cm-1 in infrared spectra of the thin layer at very high potentials (> 1000 mV vs. SCE) was believed to arise from an unstable nickel(II) isocyanate complex.

Bifunctional catalysts consisting of palladium or platinum and supported on amorphous silica-alumina were prepared and tested in the hydrocracking of n-hexadecane, which is considered to be representative of n-paraffins in hydrocracker feeds. In addition to the evaluation of the  physicochemical properties, a comprehensive study on catalyst activity and selectivity has been conducted, in the full range of conversions. A theoretical model was proposed to fit the experimental conversion-selectivity data. The n-hexadecane reactivity pattern was expressed in terms of a reaction network involving lumps consisting of monobranched and multibranched n-hexadecane isomers, and cracking products. Pseudo first order kinetics and irreversible reaction steps were assumed in order to obtain the kinetic constants of each step. For the same metallic molar loading, a platinum-based catalyst proved more active than a palladium one. The reaction network model showed that cracking products were produced by means of a bifunctional mechanism on palladium catalysts, with n-hexadecane isomers as intermediates. However, on platinum catalysts, an additional monofunctional mechanism was observed. The noble metal catalyzes the hydrogenolysis of n-hexadecane without requiring any acid function. An increase in the platinum loading leads to an increase in the importance of this direct cracking route. The deactivation in the platinum-based catalysts is only due to coke formation, which deactivates the metal sites. The regeneration by means of a Temperature-Programmed Oxidation does not lead to a complete recovery of the metal function, according to the volumetric chemisorption measurements and the experimental selectivity  data. Further work is required to determine the real causes.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the ability of non-noble metal catalysts to function as the commercially used noble metal catalyst. The exhaust gas that was used in the project is generated from a heater developed by ReformTech AB with diesel as fuel. The compound that was focused on is carbon monoxide that has a concentration of 300-750 ppm. The catalysts that were tested are MnO/CeO2, CuO/CeO2 and a Pt/CeO2 catalyst used to compare the non-noble metal catalyst with. The sensitivity against sulfur poisoning was also analyzed by mixing sulfur into the fuel. Analysis of the exhaust gas was done with a micro-GC and the catalysts were also analyzed with SEM before and after exposure of sulfur.   The manganese catalyst with a loading of 7 wt-% did not show any activity against carbon monoxide oxidation. The copper catalysts contained two different loadings of active material, 7 and 14 wt-% and monoliths with 400 and 600 cpsi were used. Both loadings showed good activity against carbon monoxide oxidation.   The most prominent catalyst was the 14 wt-% CuO/CeO2 catalyst with a 600 cpsi monolith because of an increase in surface area. The SEM analysis showed that sulfur was present on the surface when the heater was using diesel with 300 ppm sulfur. The sulfur caused complete deactivation of the non-noble metal catalysts and a small decrease in activity was shown on the noble metal Pt catalyst.

The effects of noble metal (NM) promotion and deposition order (co-deposition of NM with the final Co deposition [co-dep] or sequential deposition of NM after Co deposition [seq-dep]) on surface area, pore size, metal retention, crystallite size, noble metal distribution and bonding in Co Fischer Tropsch (FT) catalysts were studied as were the resulting Co reducibility and Fischer Tropsch activity/selectivity properties. Catalysts containing nominally 25wt% Co with either 0.3 wt% Ru, 0.58 wt% Pt, 0.55wt% Re, or no NM on a La-stabilized-Al2O3 support were prepared by wet deposition. The Co, Pt, and Re were uniformly dispersed, but Ru distribution and retention were problematic and deposition-order dependent—85% was lost with co-dep, but it was uniformly distributed while 54% was lost with seq-dep and it was concentrated at the pellet edge. The co-dep catalysts all have smaller reduced Co crystallite size than their corresponding seq-dep catalysts. The average crystallite diameters for all 3 co-dep catalysts are between 4.1 and 4.3nm and ~90% of the crystallites are < 6nm. XAFS measurements showed that after reduction at 360°C, Pt is bonded with Co even with mild calcination between the final Co and the Pt deposition. On the other hand, neither Ru nor Re formed direct bonds with Co. Ru remained in a separate metal phase after reduction even at low loadings. Re remained as Re2O7 and still promoted Co reduction well (e.g. 42% reduced to Co metal compared to none for the unpromoted catalyst). By all measures of reducibility (TPR, EOR, H2 uptake), all NM promoted catalysts were more reducible than the unpromoted catalyst. The co-dep catalysts have lower TPR peak temperatures, but lower extents of reduction than their corresponding seq-dep catalysts. The NM type effect on overall extent of reduction trend was Co/Pt-seq>Co/Re-seq>Co/Ru-seq=Co/Pt-co>Co/Re-co>Co/Ru-co>Co. The Co/Pt-co catalyst was the most active of all the catalysts both on rate per mass and per site basis. The co-dep catalysts were all more active than the corresponding sequentially deposited catalysts. The co-dep Pt and Re catalyst activity is greater due to higher activity per site, while co-dep Ru activity is greater due to a higher abundance of active sites.

Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D.
Nanostructures have potential for use in state-of-the-art applications such as sensing, imaging, therapeutics, drug delivery, and electronics. The ability to fabricate and engineer these nanoscale materials is essential for the continued development of such devices. Because the morphological features of nanomaterials play a key role in determining chemical and physical properties, there is great interest in developing and improving methods capable of controlling their size, shape, and composition. While noble nanoparticles have opened the door to promising applications in fields such as imaging, cancer targeting, photothermal treatment, drug delivery, catalysis and sensing, the synthetic processes required to form these nanoparticles on surfaces are not well-developed. Herein is a detailed account on efforts for adapting established solution-based seed-mediated synthetic protocols to structure in a substrate-based platform. These syntheses start by (i) defining heteroepitaxially oriented nanostructured seeds at site-specific locations using lithographic or directed-assembly techniques, and then (ii) transforming the seeds using either a solution or vapor phase processing route to activate kinetically- or thermodynamically-driven growth modes, to arrive at nanocrystals with complex and useful geometries. The first series of investigations highlight synthesis-routes based on heterogeneous nucleation, where templates serve as nucleation sites for metal atoms arriving in the vapor phase. In the first research direction, the vapor-phase heterogeneous nucleation of Ag on Au was carried out at high temperatures, where the Ag vapor was sourced from a sublimating foil onto adjacent Au templates. This process transformed both the composition and morphology of the initial Au Wulff-shaped nanocrystals to a homogeneous AuAg nanoprism. In the second case, the vapor-phase heterogeneous nucleation of Cu atoms on Au nanocrystal templates was investigated by placing a Cu foil next to Au templates and heating, which caused the Cu atoms from the foil to sublimate from the foil and heterogeneously nucleation on the surface of the immobilized Au seeds. This process caused the composition and morphology of the Au Wulff-shape to transform into a homogeneous AuCu nanotriangle. Lastly, we characterized the morphological features and composition, optical properties, and also the catalytic and photocatalytic performance toward hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenolate. The second series of investigations highlight synthetic routes utilizing competencies of substrate-based techniques with colloidal chemistry. We have demonstrated two substrate-based syntheses yielding bimetallic nanostructures where shape control was achieved through (i) facet-selective capping agents and (ii) additive and subtractive process. In the first case a citrate-based cubic structure has been synthesized in the presence or absence of ascorbic acid and the role of each has been considered in shape control. Reactions were carried out in which Ag+ ions were reduced onto substrate-immobilized Ag, Au, Pd, and Pt seeds. It was discovered that for syntheses lacking ascorbic acid, citrate acts as both the capping and the reducing agent, resulting in a robust nanocube growth mode; however, when ascorbic acid was included in these syntheses, then the growth mode reverted to one that advances the octahedral geometry. The conclusion of these results was that citrate, or one of its oxidation products, selectively caps (100) facets, but where this capability was compromised by ascorbic acid. In the second case, galvanic replacement reactions have been carried out on immobilized cubic and Wulff structures to create the substrate-based nanoshells and nanocages, where the prepositioned templates were chemically transformed into hollow structures. In this novel research, Wulff-shaped templates of Au, Pt, or Pd, formed through the dewetting of ultrathin films, were first transformed into core−shell structures through the reduction of Ag+ ions onto their surface and then further transformed through the galvanic replacement of Ag with Au. Detailed studies were provided highlighting discoveries related to (i) alloying, (ii) dealloying, (iii) hollowing, (iv) crystal structure and (vi) the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Overall, a series of synthetic strategies based on physical and chemical vapor deposition were devised and validated to achieve novel substrate- based nanomaterials with different shapes and compositions for a variety of applications such as sensing, plasmonics, catalysis, and photocatalysis. The novel research in this dissertation also takes advantage of competencies of substrate-based techniques with colloidal chemistry and, brings this rich and exciting chemistry and its associated functionalities to the substrate surface.
Temple University--Theses

Valorisation of different biomass derived molecules was successfully approached and studied in this PhD project. The focus of the thesis was addressed to the catalysts preparation, passing through an accurate catalytic designed, to be then tested in academic and industrially appealing reactions. This approach led to the synthesis of different but equally interesting catalytic systems for the valorisation of substrates derived from the first and second generation of biomass feedstock. An extended study, at first, was conducted on the oxidation of glycerol (1st generation of biomass related), both in alkaline (needed for gold monometallic systems) and free pH (high industrial relevance) conditions. The target reaction was approached starting from the simplest Au/C catalytic systems, to finally move to more complicated and innovative materials: bimetallic once. Initially, the Au on carbon Vulcan (with the highest graphitisation degree) SOL derived catalysts showed a remarkable initial activity (IA= 1091 h-1) in comparison with the other carbonaceous supports (Norit and X40S) and the SMAD derived catalysts. This result pointed out the importance of the protecting agent (a polymer that surrounded the nanoparticles and is solely present for the SOL synthetic route) beside the importance of the support’s features. Similarly, electronic effects ascribed to the interaction with the support of the nanoparticles (i.e. the strong metal support interaction (SMSI) thermally induced on Au4Ag1/TiO2) showed to be the ruling factor to determine the oxidation state of the metals. This latter, subsequentially, influence the catalytic activity: an enhanced initial catalytic activity was detected for the Au4Ag1/TiO2 catalyst (IA= 1616 h-1), in comparison with the Au4Ag1/Al2O3 (IA= 963 h-1). The SMSI have influenced also the stability of the system, avoiding the enlargement of the nanoparticles during the thermal treatments. On the other hand, the SMSI induced the presence of Ag+ species onto the bimetallic nanoparticles titania supported, leading to a quite rapid deactivation of the catalytic system. The thermal treatments pointed out also the importance of the protecting agent (polyvinyl alcohol, PVA): on one side when it is present confers resistance to the system towards the nanoparticles aggregation, on the other when it is removed from the nanoparticles’ surface (by the same thermal treatment), the catalyst acquired an enhanced initial activity. AuPt/TiO2 catalytic systems were subsequentially exploited both in alkaline and free pH conditions. The gold content positively influenced the activity of the catalytic systems in both the conditions. In particular Au9Pt1/TiO2 was the most active catalyst in the alkaline condition (IA= 7389 h−1), and Au6Pt4/TiO2 showed the highest initial activity (IA= 301 h-1) in free pH condition. For all the bimetallic system mentioned and exploited in the valorisation of glycerol, furthermore, a synergistic effect was detected. The importance of gold as modifier to confer resistance to the catalytic system by stabilizing the oxidation state of the second metal was also established. Subsequentially, completely different designed and synthesised catalysts were prepared for the valorisation of substrates related with the 2nd generation of biomass. Bare carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and functionalised CNFs (CNFs-P, CNFs-O and CNFs-N), for instance, were employed as supports for Ru nanoparticles (introduced by incipient wet impregnation). All the catalysts prepared showed activity in the valorisation of cellulose derived molecules. In particular, it was observed how N-containing functionalisation of the support, promoted by a strong interaction with the Ru nanoparticles, led to the highest catalytic activity among the set of catalysts tested for the levulinic acid (LA) hydrogenation (88 % of conversion after 3 h) with a full selectivity to y-valerolactone (GVL). On the other side, exploring the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) valorisation, Ru/CNF-N and Ru/CNF-P showed a lower activity but also a change in selectivity. In fact, these latter two catalysts enhanced the formation of ethers due to the reaction between 2,5-dihydroxymethylfuran and/or methylfurfuryl alcohol with the solvent (2-butanol). Similar support effects were also observed in the furfural hydrogenation over platinum nanoparticles (introduced by solvated metal atoms deposition, SMAD) supported on niobia and tailor-made modified niobia. Niobia was hydrothermally synthetized pure and doped with other two different metals (W and Ti, both 10 at.%) to tune the acidity of the system. In particular, we were able to enhance to 0.191 mmolPy/gCAT (W-Nb2O5) and decrees to 0.014 mmolPy/gCAT (Ti-Nb2O5) the acidity of the pure Niobia (0.078 mmolPy/gCAT). Platinum nanoparticles, showing a narrow particle size distribution (1.1-1.2 nm) for all the supports, have allowed a proper study of the acidity effect. The acidity, indeed, showed to be the ruling factor: the most acidic material showed the highest activity coupled with a selectivity addressed to the furan ether products (acid catalysed reaction’s step) at the expenses of furfuryl alcohol (highest selectivity of FA showed for the lowest acid catalyst). Unfortunately, the condition and the type of acidity (Lewis acidity) obtained were not sufficient to observe a high fraction of diols (target product, less than 10 % in selectivity), produced from the ring-opening of the substrate. Lastly, in the benzyl alcohol oxidation (model compound for the lignin) it was highlighted how gold-based materials characterised by comparable nanoparticles dimension (Au-Pd, Au-Pt, Au-Ru and Au-Cu, all supported on carbon) could change the catalytic behaviour and the bimetallic structure just by varying the second metal. For AuPd/C and AuPt/C, for example, alloyed structures were observed. On the other hand, for the case of Ru as second metal, a core-shell structure was found. When Cu was employed, bimetallic nanoparticles with Au:Cu molar ratio lower than the nominal one were detected suggesting the presence of segregated gold nanoparticles. All the catalysts were active and highly selective towards the desired and industrial appealing product (benzaldehyde, selectivity ≥ 99 %). Only in the case of AuPd/C and AuCu/C, however, a synergistic effect was observed. In particular, the AuPd/C bimetallic sample showed the highest activity (fully conversion of the substrate after 5 min). For the interesting Au-Cu system (the only catalysts that contain a not noble metal), furthermore, the role of the Cu was clarified and the composition effect was studied. The metals were deposited on a carbonaceous support by SMAD technique in order to avoid a protecting agent influence. More in details, it was speculated how Cu, promptly oxidised at CuO (if exposed to air), is responsible of the O2 activation, while the reaction took part at the Au-CuO interface. This reactivity is guided by a specific structure of the bimetallics particles finely characterized: Aucore-CuOshell structure. This last evidence highlighted once more the importance of having a good knowledge and control on the catalyst synthetic routes. Furthermore, synergistic effect was observed for all the active AuCu/C bimetallic systems, even when the amount of gold was very low (Au13Cu1/C, IA= 329 h-1). The highest initial activity, however, was reached with Au4Cu1/C catalysts (IA= 399 h-1). All the active AuCu bimetallic catalysts showed a high selectivity towards the desired product: benzaldehyde (≥ 95%). Good stability against deactivation was also observed. For the Cu-rich sample (Au1Cu17/C) case, distinguished by the negligible activity, it was assumed how the external copper oxide shells, by entirely covering the gold atoms, have repressed any catalytic activities.

Els carburs de metalls de transició (TMC) exhibeixen propietats químiques i catalítiques similars a les dels costosos metalls nobles. La conversió d'alcohol, hidrogenació d'olefines i altres reaccions importants han demostrat l'aplicabilitat d'aquests compostos en processos industrials. També se sap que nanopartícules de metalls nobles (NMNPs) mostren una alta activitat catalítica tot i la baixa o nul • la reactivitat del metall sòlid. A més, investigacions recents assenyalen que els suports de TMC polaritzen la densitat electrònica de NMNPs adsorbits i augmenten l'activitat catalítica respecte als suports més tradicionals d'òxid metàl • lic. Aquests descobriments recents han inspirat el treball presentat en aquesta tesi, realitzat mitjançant tècniques actuals de la química quàntica. S'ha estudiat CO, CO2, H2, H2O adsorbits sobre TiC i sobre petits clústers d'or adsorbits en el suport. S'ha considerat la superfície (001), terrasses, esglaons monoatòmics i defectes, i també la reactivitat de les molècules adsorbides sobre la superfície neta de TiC (001) i en dos clústers d'or, Au4 i Au6, adsorbits. Les barreres energètiques calculades per a la formació de metà o formaldehid a partir de gas de síntesi, en TiC (001) resulten ser massa altes i aquests processos són inviables sobre el suport net. Sobre els clústers d'or suportats sobre TiC (001) hi ha una major activitat catalítica, però la reacció continua sent altament impedida. No obstant això, la reacció de desplaçament del gas d'aigua es preveu que sigui ràpida en el sistema Au4/TiC (001), superant els catalitzadors utilitzats normalment en la indústria. Experiments recents mostren que els clústers de Ni, Cu i Au estan fortament deformats un cop adsorbits sobre TMC, donant lloc a catalitzadors molt actius. S'ha investigat la interacció dels àtoms amb la fase delta de MoC. La interacció és més forta pel recobriment més baix considerat, la relaxació de la superfície és important i l'activitat es preveu que augmenti en l'ordre Ni> Cu> Au. Finalment, s'han considerat possibles reconstruccions no polars per a la superfície (001) de Mo2C centrant-se en l'energia d’escissió, la qual és proporcional a l'estabilitat de cada tipus de terminació. Les reconstruccions no polars disminueixen l'energia d’escissió, confirmant l'aplicabilitat dels conceptes clàssics de Tasker per a òxids als TMC.
Los carburos de metales de transición (TMC) exhiben propiedades químicas y catalíticas similares a las de los costosos metales nobles. La conversión de alcohol, hidrogenación de olefinas y otras reacciones importantes han demostrado la aplicabilidad de estos compuestos en procesos industriales. También se sabe que nanopartículas de metales nobles (NMNPs) muestran una alta actividad catalítica a pesar de la baja o nula reactividad del metal sólido. Además, investigaciones recientes señalan que los soportes de TMC polarizan la densidad electrónica de NMNPs adsorbidos y aumentan la actividad catalítica respecto a los soportes más tradicionales de óxido metálico. Estos descubrimientos recientes han inspirado el trabajo presentado en esta tesis, realizado mediante técnicas actuales de la química cuántica. Se ha estudiado CO, CO2, H2, H2O adsorbidos sobre TiC y sobre pequeños clusters de oro adsorbidos sobre el suport. Se ha considerado la superficie (001), terrazas, escalones monoatómicos y defectos y, también, la reactividad de las moléculas adsorbidas sobre la superficie limpia de TiC (001) y en dos clusters de oro, Au4 y Au6, adsorbidos. Las barreras energéticas calculadas para la formación de metano o formaldehído a partir de gas de síntesis en la superficie limpia de TiC (001) resultan ser demasiado altas y esos procesos son inviables sobre el soporte limpio. Sobre los clusters de oro soportados sobre TiC (001) hay una mayor actividad catalítica, pero la reacción continúa siendo altamente impedida. Sin embargo la reacción de desplazamiento del gas de agua se prevé que sea rápida en el sistema Au4/TiC (001), superando los catalizadores utilizados normalmente en la industria. Experimentos recientes muestran que los clusters de Ni, Cu y Au están fuertemente deformados una vez adsorbidos sobre TMC dando lugar en catalizadores muy activos. Se ha investigado la interacción de los átomos con la fase delta del catalizador de MoC. La interacción es más fuerte para el recubrimiento más bajo considerado, la relajación de la superficie es importante y la actividad se prevé que aumente en el orden Ni> Cu> Au. Finalmente, se han considerado posibles reconstrucciones no polares para la superficie (001) de Mo2C centrándose en la energía de escisión, que es proporcional a la estabilidad de cada tipo de terminación. Las reconstrucciones no polares disminuyen la energía de escisión, confirmando la aplicabilidad de los conceptos clásicos de Tasker para óxidos a los TMC.
Carbides of the early transition metals (TMC) exhibit chemical and catalytic properties that in many aspects are very similar to those of expensive noble metals. Alcohol conversion, hydrogenation of olefins and many others important reactions demonstrated the applicability of these compounds for industrial processes. It is also known that small noble metal nanoparticles (NMNPs) show high catalytic activity despite of the poor reactivity or inertness of the bulk metal. Additionally, recent investigations pointed out that supporting TMCs polarize the electron density of adsorbed NMNPs increasing the catalytic activity respect to more traditional metal oxide supports. These recent discoveries inspired the work reported in this thesis using state-of-the-art quantum chemical techniques. We studied CO, CO2, H2, H2O molecules adsorbed on TiC and on small gold clusters adsorbed thereon. We considered the (001) extended surface, terraces, monatomic steps and kink defective sites. The reactivity of adsorbed molecules on the clean TiC (001) surface and on two gold clusters, Au4 and Au6, adsorbed thereon were also studied. Energy barriers calculated for methane or formaldehyde formation from syngas, on the clean TiC (001) surface were by far too high and those processes are unviable on the clean support. Gold clusters supported by TiC (001) show higher catalytic activity but the reaction continues to be highly hindered. However water gas shift reaction is predicted to be fast on the Au4/TiC(001) system, overtaking catalysts normally used in industry. Recent experiments show that Ni, Cu and Au clusters are strongly perturbed upon adsorption on TMC resulting in extremely active catalysts. We investigated the interaction of those atoms with the delta phase of the MoC catalyst. The interaction is stronger for the lowest coverage considered, the relaxation of the surface important and the activity is predicted to increase in the order Ni>Cu >Au. Finally, we have studied possible non-polar reconstructions of the (001) surface of Mo2C focusing on the cleavage energy, proportional to the stability of each type of termination. The non-polar reconstructions decreased the calculated cleavage energy, confirming the applicability of the classical Tasker’s concepts for oxides to TMCs.

New challenges in nanotechnology arise in the assembly of nanoobjects into three-dimensional superstructures, which may carry synergetic properties and open up new application fields. Within this new class of materials nanostructured, porous functional metals are of great interest since they combine high surface area, gas permeability, electrical conductivity, plasmonic behavior and size-enhanced catalytic reactivity. Even though a large variety of preparation pathways for the fabrication of porous noble metals has already been established, several limitations are still to be addressed by research developments. The new and versatile approach that is presented in this work makes use of a templatefree self-assembly process for the fabrication of highly porous, metallic nanostructures. Thereby, nanochains are formed by the controlled coalescence of noble metal NPs in aqueous media and their interconnection and interpenetration leads to the formation of a self-supported network with macroscopic dimensions. Subsequently, the supercritical drying technique is used to remove the solvent from the pores of the network without causing a collapse of the fragile structure. The resulting highly porous, low-weighted, three-dimensional nanostructured solids are named aerogels. The exceptional properties of these materials originate from the conjunction of the unique properties of nanomaterials magnified by macroscale assembly. Moreover, the combination of different metals may lead to synergetic effects regarding for example their catalytic activity. Therefore, the synthesis of multimetallic gels and the characterization of their structural peculiarities are in the focus of the investigations. In the case of the developed preparation pathways the gelation process starts from preformed, stable colloidal solutions of citrate capped, spherical noble metal (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd) NPs. In order to face various requirements several methods for the initiation of the controlled destabilization and coalescence of the nanosized building blocks were developed and synthesis conditions were optimized, respectively. Multimetallic structures with tunable composition are obtained by mixing different kinds of monometallic NP solutions and performing a joint gel formation. The characterization of the resulting materials by means of electron microscopy reveals the formation of a highly porous network of branched nanochains that provide a polycrystalline nature and diameters in the size range of the initial NPs. Furthermore, synthesis conditions for the spontaneous gel formation of glucose stabilized Au and Pd NPs were investigated. In order to gain a detailed knowledge of the structural properties of bimetallic aerogel structures a versatile set of characterization techniques was applied. A broad pore size distribution dominated by meso- and macropores and remarkably high inner surface areas were concluded from the N2 physisorption isotherms and density measurements. As investigated, a specific thermal treatment could be used to tune the ligament size of Au-Ag aerogels, whereas Au-Pd and Pt-Pd structures provide thermal stability under mild conditions. Further investigations aimed to the enlightenment of the elemental distribution and phase composition within the nanochains of multimetallic gel structures. The different approaches provide complementary and consistent results. Phase analyses based on XRD measurements revealed separated phases of each metal in the case of Ag-Pd and Au-Pd aerogels. They further proved the possibility of temperature induced phase modifications that lead to complete alloying of Au and Pd. In addition, separated domains of Pt and Pd were established from the EXAFS analysis of the corresponding aerogel. STEM EDX high resolution elemental mappings confirmed the separated domains of different metals in the case of Au-Pd and Pt-Pd aerogels. Moreover, a complete interdiffusion and alloy formation of Au and Ag within the corresponding aerogel structure is suggested from STEM EDX results. Finally, the presented investigations further promote the field of metallic aerogels by addressing the challenging issue of processability and device fabrication. Hybrid materials with organic polymers as well as various kinds of coatings on glass substrates and glassy carbon electrodes were prepared whereas the network structure was preserved throughout all processing steps. Moreover, it was illustrated that the NP-based aerogels carry metallic properties as expressed by their low Seebeck coefficients and high electrical conductivities.

This thesis is based on the study of ammonia oxidation on platinum group metals. The objectives of this thesis are accept or discard the diverse mechanisms proposed. Even suggest the most appropriate according to the data obtained. To carry out this work is necessary to know the geometry of each species that may exist on the surface of the catalyst and the transition states of the reactions that lead from one species (or combination of species) to another. This is know the key points of a reaction (activation energy and reaction enthalpy). With all data obtained was proposed a microkinetic model of the process and analysis this to obtain a reduced model, equivalent to a mechanism. With this model it is possible to obtain a simulation of the temporal evolution of each species, both in gas phase on the surface, depending on initial conditions. All this information is useful to know how the mechanism works and the evolution of products depending on the temperature or the oxygen-ammonia ratio.
To carry out this thesis has used the density functional theory (DFT) implemented in VASP code on a model of a periodic cell of 2 ¡Á 2 with four layers of metal where the two more superficial are entirely free, being able to deform and adapt the molecule adsorbed. The Encut and k-points used are 400 eV and 5 ¡Á 5 ¡Á 1, respectively.This thesis is divided in three chapters. The first examines and compares the dehydrogenation of ammonia on platinum in the faces 100 and 111. The second chapter examines and compares the dehydrogenation on platinum, palladium and rhodium on both sides, 100 and 111. And the third chapter examines the process of ammonia oxidation on Pt(100).The first part has been carried out a systematic study of adsorption and the relative stability of the ammonia and the species of dehydrogenation on the surfaces of Pt (111) and Pt (100). Different adsorption geometries and positions have been studied. The vibrational spectra of various fragments of ammonia have been calculated and were compared with the experimental data available. The adsorption of NH3 is on top position and for the NH2 is on bridge and it is the most stable on Pt (100) than on Pt (111). For the NH and N are adsorbed on the hollow site. There is a considerable difference in the energy of adsorption of NH2 on both sides. This difference is mainly explained by the geometry that takes the kind on both sides. Being much more stable on the 100 side than on the face 111. Accordingly, the platinum surface determines the most stable species NHx: On Pt(100) has more affinity NH2 species, whereas species prefer NH Pt(111).The second part extends the study of the dehydrogenation to other metals such as Palladium and Rhodium. The different adsorption geometries and positions have been studied for the intermediate of ammonia dehydrogenation (NHx, x=0-2). The six surfaces studied, the NH3 adsorbs preferably on the top position, the NH2 on bridge, NH and N on hollow. However, the adsorption energies of the fragments NHx fluctuate considerably from one surface to another. All species absorbs more strongly on the face 100 than on face 111. The Rh(100) is the surface that provides maximum stability for the different NHx species. The reaction energy, the activation energy and the geometry of the transition state for the successive of ammonia dehydrogenation (NHx ¡ú NHx-1) have been determined, which allows calculating the rate coefficients. Our results prove that the reaction is structure sensitive. As a general trend, the first step of dehydrogenation is the limiting step, especially for palladium. According to the experimental data Rhodium is a good catalyst for the decomposition of NH3 compared to Pt and Pd. It has also been observed a linear relationship between the potential energy of the transition state and the adsorption energy of the products.
The third part studies the ammonia oxidation on Pt(100). The conversion of NH3 leading to NHx intermediate species that reacts with adsorbed oxygen species and ultimately the formation of the products (NO, N2O, N2 and H2O) that it has been systematically calculated. The reaction comes through an imine mechanism, while the classical mechanisms postulated by Bodenstein and Andrussow (nytroxyl and hydroxilamine, respectively) as reaction intermediates can be discarded. The activation energy for the oxidative ammonia dehydrogenation on Pt(100) has been drastically reduced compared to the non-oxidative ammonia dehydrogenation. The barriers of ammonia dehydrogenation are greatly favored by the O-assisted way than the OH-assisted way. The final products are formed by recombination of adsorbed Nitrogen with N (N2), O (NO) and NO (N2O). The water is formed through the recombination of two adsorbed OH, regenerating adsorbed oxygen. The limiting step in the oxidative ammonia dehydrogenation is the first step, abstraction of the first proton of ammonia (NH3¡úNH2+H). While the nitric oxide desorption is the rate determining step (rds) of the process. We calculated the reaction rate coefficients of elementary steps involved in the reaction mechanism allows doing a microkinetic analysis. The simulations carried out with the microkinetic model describe well the experimental distribution of products obtained at different temperatures, depending on the time and the ratio of initial NH3/O2. Getting a temporal distribution of each species in gas phase and on the surface.
Esta tesis se basa en el estudio de la oxidación de amoniaco sobre el grupo del platino. El objetivo de esta tesis es descartar o aceptar los diversos mecanismos propuestos. Incluso proponer el más correcto según los datos obtenidos. Para llevar a cabo esta acometida es necesario conocer cada geometría de las diferentes especies que pueden existir sobre la superficie del catalizador, así como los estados de transición entre las reacciones que lleven de una especie (o combinación de especies) a otras. Es decir conocer los puntos claves de una reacción (energía de activación y entalpía de reacción). Con los datos obtenidos se ha realizado la microcin¨¦tica del proceso completo y se ha realizado un análisis microcinético, llegando a obtener un modelo reducido, el equivalente a un mecanismo de reacción. Con este modelo es posible obtener una simulación de la evolución temporal de cada especie, tanto en fase gas como sobre la superficie, en función de unas condiciones iniciales. Toda esta información es de gran utilidad para conocer el funcionamiento del mecanismo y conocer la evolución de los productos en función de la temperatura, o de la relación de amoniaco-oxigeno. Para realizar esta tesis se ha usado la Teoría del funcional de la Densidad (DFT), el programa VASP usa esta teoría con ondas planas para realizar los cílculos sobre un modelo periódico de una celda de 2¡Á2 con cuatro capas de metal donde las dos más superficiales están totalmente libres, pudiéndose deformar y adaptar al adsorbato. El Encut y los k-points usados son de 400 eV y 5¡Á5¡Á1, respectivamente.
La tesis se ha dividido en tres capítulos. En el primero se estudia y compara la deshidrogenación del amoniaco sobre Platino en las caras 100 y 111. En el segundo capitulo se estudia y compara la deshidrogenación sobre Platino, Paladio y Rodio en las dos caras, 100 y 111. Y en el tercer capítulo se estudia el proceso de la oxidación de amoniaco sobre Platino en la cara 100.En la primera parte se han llevado a cabo una estudio sistemático de la adsorción y la estabilidad relativa del amoniaco y de las especies de la deshidrogenación sobre las superficies de Pt (111) y Pt (100). Diferentes geometrías y posiciones de adsorción han sido estudiadas. Los espectros vibracionales de los diversos fragmentos de amoníaco se han calculado y se han comparado con los datos experimentales disponibles. La adsorción de NH3 se realiza sobre la posici¨®n top el NH2 sobre la posición bridge y es la más estable sobre Pt (100) que sobre Pt (111). Para el NH y el N se adsorben sobre el hollow. Existe una diferencia considerable en la energía de adsorción del NH2 sobre las dos caras. Esta diferencia se explica principalmente por la geometría que adopta la especie sobre las dos caras. Siendo mucho más estable sobre la cara 100 que sobre la cara 111. En consecuencia, la superficie de platino determina la especie NHx más estable: Sobre Pt(100) tiene más afinidad la especie NH2, mientras que la especie NH prefiere el Pt (111).
En la segunda parte el estudio de la deshidrogenación se ha ampliado a otros metales como el Paladio y el Rodio. Diferentes geometrías de adsorción y posiciones han sido estudiados para NH3 y los intermedios de la deshidrogenación del amoniaco (NHx, x = 0 - 2). En las seis superficies investigadas, el NH3 adsorbe preferentemente sobre la posición top, el NH2 en bridge, el NH y el N lo hacen sobre el hollow. Sin embargo, las energías de adsorción los fragmentos NHx difieren considerablemente de una superficie a otra. Todas las especies de absorber con más fuerza en la cara 100 que en el la cara 111. El Rh(100) es la superficie que proporciona la máxima estabilidad para las diferentes especies. La energía de reacción, la geometría del estado de transición y la barrera de activación de los sucesivos pasos de reacción de la deshidrogenación (NHx ¡ú NHx-1) se han determinado, lo que permite calcular los coeficientes de las velocidades de reacción. Nuestros cálculos demuestran que la reacción es sensible a la estructura de la superficie. Como tendencia general, el primer paso de la deshidrogenación es el paso limitante, especialmente para Paladio. De acuerdo con los datos experimentales el Rodio es un buen catalizador para la descomposición de NH3 frente al Pt y el Pd. También se ha observado una relación lineal entre la energía potencial del estado de transición y la energía de adsorción de los productos. En la tercera parte se ha estudiado el proceso de oxidación de amoniaco sobre Pt(100). La conversión de NH3 que lleva a especies intermedias de NHx que reacciona con especies que contienen oxígeno adsorbido y en última instancia la formación de los productos de reacción (NO, N2O, N2 y H2O), han sido calculadas sistemáticamente. La reacción procede a través de un mecanismo de amina, mientras que los mecanismos clásicos postulados por Andrussow y Bodenstein (nitroxilo y hidroxilamina, respectivamente) como productos intermedios de reacción pueden ser descartados.
Las barreras de activación para la deshidrogenación oxidativa del amoniaco sobre Pt(100) se han reducido drásticamente con respecto a la deshidrogenación no-oxidativa. La energía de activación de la deshidrogenación de amoniaco y de las subsiguientes deshidrogenaciones (NHx) son en gran medida favorecidas por el oxigeno adsorbido con respecto al hidróxido adsorbido. Los productos finales están formados por recombinación de N adsorbido con N (N2), O (NO) y NO (N2O). El agua se forma a través de la recombinación de OH adsorbido, regenerando un oxígeno.La etapa limitante en la deshidrogenación oxidativa del amoniaco es la primera etapa, la abstracción del primer protón del NH3. Mientras que desorción del NO es la etapa limitante del proceso en general. Se han calculado los coeficientes de velocidad de reacción de los pasos elementales que participan en el mecanismo de reacción, permitiendo obtener un análisis microcinético. Las simulaciones realizadas con el modelo microcinético describen bien la distribución de productos obtenidos experimentalmente a diferentes temperaturas, en función del tiempo y del ratio de NH3/O2 iniciales. Obteniendo una distribución temporal de cada especie, en fase gas y sobre la superficie.

Plusieurs métaux de notre vie courante sont obtenus industriellement au moyen de procédés électrolytiques. Un des procédés les plus communs est l’électro-obtention de cuivre, dans lequel le métal est déposé à la cathode tandis que l'oxygène se dégage à l'anode. Généralement, en usine, plusieurs anodes et cathodes, ayant une surface de 1 m2 et séparées par plus ou moins 10 cm sont alternées dans une cellule contenant une solution d'acide sulfurique riche en sulfate de cuivre. En fonction des conditions d'utilisation, les cathodes sont remplacées, après un certain temps, par des nouvelles de façon à récupérer le cuivre déposé. De ce fait, les anodes doivent être capables de résister sans se corroder, se déformer ou perdre leurs propriétés électrocatalytiques pendant de longues périodes. Au début, des alliages en Pb (pb-Ag, Pb-Ca-Sn,) ont été utilisés comme anodes. Malheureusement, malgré leur faible prix, ces anodes présentent des surtensions élevées et une faible résistance à la corrosion et au fluage. Par conséquent, une alternative aux anodes traditionnelles en 1 développée. Ce nouveau type d'anode, connu sous le nom d’anode dimensionnellement stable (DSA) est fabriquée à partir d'une tôle en Ti recouverte par un mélange d'oxydes de métaux nobles catalysant la réaction de dégagement d'oxygène. Différentes techniques peuvent être utilisées pour préparer la couche d'oxyde. La technique la plus souvent employée consiste à décomposer thermiquement une solution de chlorures contenant un ou plusieurs nobles. Malheureusement, ce type d'anode est cher et a tendance à perdre son activité électrocatalytique avec le temps.

Dans le but de produire une DSA à faible prix, pouvant résister de longues périodes sans se passiver, un nouveau type de DSA a été développé dans le présent travail. Cette anode est produite par électrodépôt d'un métal noble dans les pores d'un substrat microporeux en Ti/TiO2.

Ce travail a permis de démontrer qu'une DSA avec une concentration en métal noble peut être obtenue par la voie proposée. Il a été montré que les propriétés électriques et électrochimiques de ces DSAs sont directement liées aux caractéristiques morphologiques et structurales du en Ti/TiO2. Lorsque la couche barrière existant au fond des pores est suffisamment fine et que le film présente des défauts, la résistance me l'interface Ti/métal noble est faible. Ceci abouti à des DSAs possédant d'excellentes propriétés électrocatalytiques. Les DSAs optimales sont capables de résister à des conditions similaires à celles employées en industrie avec des surtensions de ~ 0.4 V, ce qui représente un gain de 50% par rapport aux surtensions normalement atteintes par les anodes traditionnelles en Pb.

Doctorat en sciences appliquées
info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis enables the production of high quality diesel fuel from biomass derived synthesis gas. In order to increase the overall diesel yield, it is necessary to perform a subsequent hydrocracking of the long-chain linear paraffins. This work is focused on characterization and testing of catalysts for the hydrocracking reaction of Fischer-Tropsch waxes. In particular, noble metal catalyst based on Pt and Pd on amorphous silica-alumina support were tested. Palladium based catalysts performed nearly an ideal bifunctional mechanism, while platinum based catalysts performed another way of cracking: hydrogenolysis. Platinum based catalysts are more active than palladium ones, with the same metal loading. This is a consequence of the nature of the metal sites. The product distribution is similar for both platinum and palladium catalysts. However, due to the hydrogenolysis cracking mechanism performed by platinum based catalysts, the amount of light gases produced on platinum based catalysts is higher. Furthermore, the deactivation behavior of the Platinum and Palladium catalysts has been studied, and the results showed that the dispersion of the active phase decreased with deactivation and the average crystallite diameter increased. This means a decrease in activity. A regeneration program, temperature programmed oxidation (TPO), has been carried out demonstrating that the activity was not completely recovered.

Thesis: Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, 2016.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 231-249).
The noble metals (NMs) comprise ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt), and gold (Au). Together, these corrosion-resistant elements serve as nature's universal catalysts by binding reactant molecules neither too strongly nor too weakly. This allows for rapid catalytic transformations of reactants into useful products. Modern society, its current technologies, and its emerging renewable energy technologies are underpinned by precious metal catalysts. However, the noble metals are the least abundant elements in the lithosphere, making them prohibitively scarce and expensive for future global-scale technologies. Furthermore, the traditional catalyst engineering toolkit is ill-equipped to optimize the reactivity, stability, and loading of NM catalysts. The technologies developed in this thesis have two overarching implications. First, a method is developed to engineer non-sintered and metal-terminated transition metal carbide (TMC) nanoparticles. Featuring "noble metal-like" surface reactivity, TMCs are earth-abundant and exhibit many useful catalytic properties, such as carbon monoxide and sulfur tolerance. By designing TMC nanoparticles with controlled surface properties, this thesis offers new avenues for replacing noble metal catalysts with inexpensive alternatives. Second, a method is developed to synthesize TMC nanoparticles coated with atomically-thin noble metal monolayers. This offers new directions for improved catalyst designs by substantially enhancing reactivity and stability while reducing overall noble metal loadings. These synthetic achievements in nanoscale core-shell catalyst engineering were guided by computational quantum chemistry, model thin film studies, and advanced spectroscopic techniques. Examination of the catalytic utility of these new materials was performed in the context of water electrolysis, proton exchange membrane fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, and high temperature thermal reforming.
by Sean Thomas Hunt.
Ph. D.

L'intérêt de la recherche fondamentale pour les morceaux nanométriques de métaux nobles est principalement dû à la résonance localisée des plasmons de surface (LSPR) dans l'absorption optique. Différents aspects, liés à la compréhension théorique de la LSPR dans le cas de clusters de métaux nobles de taille dite intermédiaire, sont étudiés dans ce manuscrit. Afin d'avoir une vision plus large nous utilisons deux approches : l'approche électromagnétique classique et le formalisme ab initio en temps réel de la théorie de la fonctionnelle de la densité dépendant du temps (RT-TDDFT). Une comparaison systématique et détaillée de ces deux approches souligne et quantifie les limitations de l'approche électromagnétique lorsqu'elle est appliquée à des systèmes de taille quantique. Les différences entre les excitations plasmoniques collectives et celles impliquant les électrons d, ainsi que leurs interactions, sont étudiées grâce au comportement spatial des densités correspondantes. Ces densités sont obtenues en appliquant une transformée de Fourier dans l'espace à la densité obtenue par les simulations DFT utilisant une perturbation delta-kick. Dans ce manuscrit, des clusters de métaux nobles nus et protégés par des ligands sont étudiés. En particulier, motivé par de récents travaux sur les phénomènes d'émergence de plasmon, l'étude par TD-DFT de nano-alliages Au-Cu de taille tout juste inférieure à 2nm à fourni de subtiles connaissances sur les effets d'alliages sur la réponse optique de tels systèmes
The fundamental research interest in nanometric pieces of noble metals is mainly due to the localized surface-plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the optical absorption. Different aspects related to the theoretical understanding of LSPRs in `intermediate-size' noble-metal clusters are studied in this thesis. To gain a broader perspective both the real-time \ai formalism of \td density-functional theory (RT-TDDFT) and the classical electromagnetics approach are employed. A systematic and detailed comparison of these two approaches highlights and quantifies the limitations of the electromagnetics approach when applied to quantum-sized systems. The differences between collective plasmonic excitations and the excitations involving $d$-electrons, as well as the interplay between them are explored in the spatial behaviour of the corresponding induced densities by performing the spatially resolved Fourier transform of the time-dependent induced density obtained from a RT-TDDFT simulation using a $\delta$-kick perturbation. In this thesis, both bare and ligand-protected noble-metal clusters were studied. In particular, motivated by recent experiments on plasmon emergence phenomena, the TDDFT study of Au-Cu nanoalloys in the size range just below 2~nm produced subtle insights into the general effects of alloying on the optical response of these systems

Transition metal-nitrogen complex have shown promising electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) that can potentially replace the platinum-based electrocatalysts in fuel cell, which generally suffer from scarcity and instability issue. Iron and cobalt have been reported to posses the best electrocatalytic performance in comparison with other transition metals due to the nature of their d-electron configuration that fulfill the prerequisite strong back-bonding for the activation of oxygen molecule. Apart from the metal active centre, other factors such as catalyst support, electrode thickness and surface-nitrogen content have also been considered play important roles to improve the catalytic performance of transition-metal-nitrogen complex materials. In this study we integrated those factors and approaches to create non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with improved catalytic activity. Iron and cobalt were used as ORR metal active centers and different type of carbon supports were employed as electrocatalysts supports. Three different electrocatalysts were developed in this project, including ironcobaltnitrogen complex supported carbon nanotubes that were grown on carbon paper substrate, iron-cobalt-nitrogen complex incorporated vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and iron-cobalt-nitrogen complex incorporated vertically aligned nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes. The electrochemical performances of those electrocatalysts were compared with platinum-based electrocatalyst, which is the most common commercial electrocatalysts recently. The results show that the developed non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts posses improved electrocatalytic properties in terms of electrochemical surface area, electron transfer number, kinetic rate constant, durability and methanol fuel tolerance.

Electrolysis of water by electricity generated from renewable energy sources is promising sustainable hydrogen (H2) production method. A critical task to realize the widespread application of this method is to develop high performance, low price, and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This thesis focuses on the understanding of the stability of non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts in electrolytes with a wide range of pH and the development of novel high-performance non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts for HER. First, using Ni2P as a reprehensive 3d transition metal-based electrocatalyst, its pHdependent performance stability was studied in detail. The pH of electrolytes strongly influences the HER activity of the Ni2P electrocatalyst. Tests in 19 electrolytes with pH ranging from 0.52 to 13.53, my results show that Ni2P is much more active in acidic and alkaline electrolytes. With the increase of pH, lower H+ concentration reduces the formation of adsorbed H atoms in the Volmer reaction, resulting in more impoverished activities. However, the high activity observed in the strong alkaline electrolytes is not the intrinsic property of Ni2P. Ni oxides/hydroxides are formed in strong alkaline electrolytes under applied potentials, resulting in improved activities. Next, I demonstrated the synthesis of ultrafine β-Mo2C nanoparticles with narrow size distribution (2.2 ± 0.3 nm) and high mass loading (up to 27.5 wt.%.) on graphene substrate using a giant Mo-based polyoxomolybdate (POM) cluster, Mo132 ((NH4)46[Mo132O372(H2O)72(CH3COO)30]). A nitrogen-containing polymeric binder (polyethyleneimine) was used to create Mo-N bonds between Mo2C nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped graphene layers, which dramatically improve the catalytic performance of the Mo2C electrocatalyst for HER as revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. The optimized Mo2C electrocatalyst shows a large exchange current density of 1.19 mA cm–2, a high turnover frequency of 0.70 s–1 as well as excellent durability. This new synthesis strategy opens the possibility of developing practical platinum substitutes based on Mo2C for practical HER applications.

The current energy crisis is becoming more and more serious due to the industrial development and increasing population. Mimicking photosynthesis in plants provides a new way to solve this crisis. The goal is to harness solar energy and convert it into energy stored in chemical bonds such as methanol or hydrogen gas. Currently, most catalysts for proton reduction contain precious metals, such as palladium, platinum and ruthenium. The main goal of our research is to develop catalysts made of earth abundant metals. By incorporating organic ligands in our complexes, we can make catalysts that have similar catalytic activity as those made of rare metals. Herein, I report an iron and a nickel catalysts that can generate hydrogen from water.

One of the greatest challenges for the study of photocatalysts is to devise new catalysts that possess high activity under visible light illumination. This would allow the use of an abundant and green energy source, sunlight, to drive chemical reactions. Gold nanoparticles strongly absorb both visible light and UV light. It is therefore possible to drive chemical reactions utilising a significant fraction of full sunlight spectrum. Here we prepared gold nanoparticles supported on various oxide powders, and reported a new finding that gold nanoparticles on oxide supports exhibit significant activity for the oxidation of formaldehyde and methanol in the air at ambient temperature, when illuminated with visible light. We suggested that visible light can greatly enhance local electromagnetic fields and heat gold nanoparticles due to surface plasmon resonance effect which provides activation energy for the oxidation of organic molecules. Moreover, the nature of the oxide support has an important influence on the activity of the gold nanoparticles. The finding reveals the possibility to drive chemical reactions with sunlight on gold nanoparticles at ambient temperature, highlighting a new direction for research on visible light photocatalysts. Gold nanoparticles supported on oxides also exhibit significant dye oxidation activity under visible light irradiation in aqueous solution at ambient temperature. Turnover frequencies of the supported gold nanoparticles for the dye degradation are much higher than titania based photocatalysts under both visible and UV light. These gold photocatalysts can also catalyse phenol degradation as well as selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol under UV light. The reaction mechanism for these photocatalytic oxidations was studied. Gold nanoparticles exhibit photocatalytic activity due to visible light heating gold electrons in 6sp band, while the UV absorption results in electron holes in gold 5d band to oxidise organic molecules. Silver nanoparticles also exhibit considerable visible light and UV light absorption due to surface plasmon resonance effect and the interband transition of 4d electrons to the 5sp band, respectively. Therefore, silver nanoparticles are potentially photocatalysts that utilise the solar spectrum effectively. Here we reported that silver nanoparticles at room temperature can be used to drive chemical reactions when illuminated with light throughout the solar spectrum. The significant activities for dye degradation by silver nanoparticles on oxide supports are even better than those by semiconductor photocatalysts. Moreover, silver photocatalysts also can degrade phenol and drive the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde under UV light. We suggested that surface plasmon resonance effect and interband transition of silver nanoparticles can activate organic molecule oxidations under light illumination.