Catalytic processes of both heterogeneous and homogeneous chemical reactions at nanoscale and molecular level are very different from that at large scale and ensemble level. During the past decade, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy has gained tremendous success in studying heterogeneous and homogeneous chemical reactions at the single-particle single-molecule level. Detailed structures and dynamics are recovered at nanometer scale resolution such as chemical kinetics and reaction dynamics; active-site distributions on single-particle surfaces; and size-, shape-, and facet-dependent catalytic activities of individual catalysts. Our recent studies on metal–semiconductor heterostructures reveal two distinct, incident energy-dependent charge separation mechanisms which provides possibilities for engineering the direction of energy flow at the nanoscale. Furthermore, our works on quantitative single-molecule measurements of confined metal reaction centers within the mesoporous structure uncover unusual lower adsorption strength and higher catalytic activity. Experimental evidences, including molecular orientation, activation energy, and intermediate reactive species, have been gathered to provide a molecular level explanation on how the nanoconfinement effects enhance the catalyst activity. In conclusion, understanding the fundamental catalytic principles in nanoscale chemical processes is crucial for designing high-performance catalysts.

In situ single molecule imaging of nanoscale chemical processes in heterogeneous catalysis

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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