Cerium dioxide (Ceria, CeO2) has become a compound of great interest in recent years for its many uses and versatility in fields as diverse as energy storage, harnessing solar energy, and catalytic processes that produce hydrogen, a clean source of energy. The role of ceria in these applications is still poorly understood, especially in terms of how the CeO2 surface chemistry drives these processes. This poster presents the results of our ongoing research project investigating the fundamental surface chemistry of ceria. Through the use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) Surface Area Analysis we will not only more clearly characterize the surface of ceria but also observe, in real time, how ceria interacts with gaseous reactants. Specifically, we will be observing how ceria interacts with methanol. Methanol is a main reactant in the Steam Reforming of Methanol (SRM) Reaction which produces hydrogen gas with high selectivity. Ceria is known to readily react with methanol and form a surface intermediate that is energetically ideal for the SRM reaction. Through this study we will be able to understand on a molecular level this important reaction which will be critical for the optimization of ceria in the production of renewable clean energy.

The nanocatalytic properties of ceria: Paving way to clean energy and hydrogen production

256th National Meeting (2018)

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