The design and application of in situ and operando monitoring techniques is critical for establishing structure-property correlations under realistic operating conditions in order to develop more efficient materials and processes for a wide range of applications. One class of materials that has recently received increased attention for application in catalysis and energy conversion is exsolved materials. The exsolution concept enables the growth of socketed nanoparticles at the surface of oxide supports, resulting in increased resistance to agglomeration and carbon deposition, while their strained nature unlocks opportunities for accessing higher catalytic activity. Therefore, there is still much scope in understanding the formation of these systems and their behaviour under operation. Here we use a latest generation environmental transmission electron microscope to follow the nucleation and growth of individual exsolved nanoparticles, with ultra-high spatial and temporal resolution. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data reveals the atomic scale processes that underpin the formation of the socketed, strain-inducing interface that confers exsolved particles their exceptional stability and reactivity. By employing a custom-built reactor and flow system in conjunction with synchrotron X-ray diffraction, we study the structural response of exsolved systems during catalytic transformations. Through advanced Rietveld refinement we were able to relate phase composition and strain evolution in materials to their catalytic reactivity and oxygen exchange during the redox conversion of methane to syngas.

In situ monitoring of exsolved materials: From formation to application for energy conversion

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.