Xiao L., Srinivasan J., Subramanian L.
Accelrys Inc., US
Keywords: alumina, catalyst, Cu, nanoparticle
Oxide supported transition metal catalysts are widely used in variety of heterogeneous catalytic processes. Knowledge of the interaction of metals with oxide surfaces provides insight into understanding a broad variety of properties of the catalysts. However, relatively little is known about the interfaces due to lack of experimental evidence. In our work, the interaction between cupper clusters and -alumina (0001) surface were studied using density functional theory. We report the most energetically preferred structures and adsorption sites for Cu clusters on the aluminum-terminated -alumina surface which is demonstrated as the most stable (0001) surface.[2] Little effort has been made to investigate the environmental effect on the adsorption of Cu clusters on the -alumina (0001) surface. We examined adsorption of Cu clusters on fully hydroxylated -alumina surface and compared the results with that of the “dry” surface. The Cu-alumina system may serve as a prototype interface to help us establish knowledge on growth pathway of supported metal clusters.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2010 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: June 21, 2010
Pages: 40 - 43
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Materials for Oil & Gas
ISBN: 978-1-4398-3419-0