The synthesis of colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) with controlled crystal shape, structure and surface termination provides a rich family of nanoscale building blocks for the optimization of heterogeneous catalysis. The tunability of NC shape and composition allows fundament exploration of surface reactivity that has often been obscured by a inherent non-uniformity in conventional supported metal catalysts. Heterogeneous catalysts need not be so heterogeneous. We are working to engineer NCs to contribute to the understanding of heterogeneous catalysis by combining  the improved tools and techniques of colloidal nanocrystal synthesis with established functional testing. This talk will briefly outline our approaches to the preparation, isolation and characterization of transition metal and intermetallic NCs with a specific focus on Pt, Pd, Ni, Co, and Fe based alloys and intermetallics.  Methods to produce monodisperse cubes, truncated octahedra, spheres, of Pt will be presented as a model for shape/structure dependent catalytic activity.  The electrocatalytic function of these tailored catalysts will be examined in conditions relevant for direct alcohol and formic acid fuel cells to provide test platforms with which to examine trends in reactivity and stability. Functional testing of CO oxidation catalysts will be dicussed. We will also share novel methods to direct NC catalysts  form superlattices and assemblies providing a route to new catalytic membranes and allowing the engineering of multi-functional catalysts systems.

Heterogeneous catalysts need not be so heterogeneous: Tailoring the composition, size and shape of monodisperse transition metal nanocrystal catalysts

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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