Gas-surface Reaction Kinetics and Mechanisms on 3-Dimensional Aerogel-based Cu/TiO2 catalysts
Abstract
Proposed studies are directed at determining the detailed reaction mechanisms and kinetics for the uptake and conversion of CO, methanol, and chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulants over a new class of 3-dimensional (3D) TiO2-supported Cu catalysts. Nanometer-sized metal-oxide-supported copper particles have very recently been shown to exhibit promising catalytic and photocatalytic properties for the oxidation of small molecules; however, the reaction pathways and rates have yet to be elucidated. Importantly, the dependence of catalytic efficiency on material properties, including particle size, loading, and structure, have not been investigated. The proposed investigations are motivated by the importance of developing a fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry of gases on mixed metal/metal oxide nanostructures and by the potential to develop new materials that serve as sorbents for catalytic decomposition of chemical warfare agents. The chemistry will be explored through a correlative approach in which a sensitive ambient-pressure screening facility will classify catalyst activity while advanced ultrahigh vacuum surface analysis techniques will probe interfacial reaction pathways. Key preliminary results suggest that the 3D Cu/TiO2 aerogel catalysts facilitate CO conversion, methanol oxidation, and CWA-simulant decompositionÐchemistry that is promoted by the high surface areas, unique stabilization of metallic copper, and multiple interfacial connections afforded by 3D architectures. The ultimate objective of the proposed work is to make transformative contributions to the field of CWA surface chemistry by discovering new design principles for the development of materials that hold the potential for CWA uptake and catalytic decomposition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 09, 2020
- Source ID
- W911NF2010170
Entities
People
- John A Morris
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- Virginia Tech