Synthesis and activity of metal and metal-oxide catalysts
The activities of the thematic group focus on the improvement and development of new nanoscale metal, oxide, and sulfide heterogeneous catalysts for processes related to hydrogen energy, the utilization of economically important resources, environmental protection, human health, and the enhancement of quality of life. These efforts serve as a foundation for creating innovative technologies by investigating the relationships between composition, structure, catalytic behavior, and reaction mechanisms.
Research areas:
Development of mono-, bi-, and tri-metallic oxide catalysts for pure hydrogen production via the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction in the presence of sulfur compounds.
Development and application of nanoscale supported metal and oxide compositions with defined structures and properties, derived from layered-structure systems:
Layered double hydroxides – catalyst precursors for the fine purification of hydrogen-rich gas mixtures (removing CO2 via methanation), CO oxidation to CO2, and hydrogen production via WGS, as well as precursors for ceramic pigments. Investigation of the influence of modifying additives on the structure and catalytic behavior of these systems.
Layered nickel phyllosilicates – catalyst precursors for the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils to produce high-quality hardened oils and fats as raw materials for the food industry. Design of catalytic systems based on non-noble metals supported on carbon and ceramic materials for application as anodes in hydrogen fuel cells and cathodes for ammonia production.
Synthesis of catalysts based on supported metal oxides and heteropoly compounds for the reforming of natural gas and biogas to produce hydrogen, the complete oxidation of volatile organic compounds, and the photocatalytic purification of contaminated water and air.
Methods employed include low-temperature nitrogen sorption, mercury porosimetry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, hydrogen chemisorption, and temperature-programmed reduction with hydrogen.
