Atomically Dispersed Metal Catalysts: Innovations in Chemical Conversion.
The use of oxide-supported atomically dispersed precious metal atoms (or ions) as catalytic active sites is of interest due to their distinct reactivity and efficient metal utilization compared to metal nanoparticles. Developing structure-function relationships for this class of catalysts can be challenging due to non-uniformity and dynamic reconstruction of the active site coordination environment. Further, it is important to consider how the coordination environment of the atomically dispersed active sites can be controlled to promote desired chemical conversions.
In this talk, I will highlight two recent focus areas from my group:
(1) the synthesis and characterization of uniform atomically dispersed Pt active sites to develop active site models, and
(2) the design of supported atomically dispersed Rh catalysts for alkene hydroformylation, where controlled local environments through modification of support composition and support functionalization allow control over selectivity and activity.
Within these examples, I will attempt to provide some perspectives on the critical role of synthetic approaches, the utility of certain characterization tools, and the benefits and drawbacks of atomically dispersed metal species in important chemical conversions.
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Innovating Sustainable Catalysis for Clean Energy and Advanced Chemical Processes
Phillip Christopher received his B.S. from University of California, Santa Barbara in 2006 and his M.S and Ph.D. from University of Michigan in 2011, all in Chemical Engineering. From 2011-2017 he was an Assistant Professor at University of California, Riverside. In 2017 he moved to the University of California, Santa Barbara where he is an Associate Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department and the Mellichamp Chair in Sustainable Manufacturing. He also currently serves as a Senior Editor for ACS Energy Letters. His research interests are in sustainable chemical conversion, heterogeneous catalysis by supported metals, atomically dispersed metal catalysts, in-situ characterization of the dynamic behavior of catalysts, and photocatalysis by metal nanostructures.
