Catalysis-nanostructure-properties relations: establishing basis for the design of multifunctional catalysts

Abstract

Renewable sources and alternative technologies are nowadays indispensable for energy production with low environmental impact. Fuel cells are alternative devices that allow substantial efficiency gains and reduction of CO2 emissions. The new perspectives of using anion-exchange membranes as electrolyte in alkaline fuel cells brought about the possibility of producing energy oxidizing fuels as methanol and bioethanol employing Pt-free multifunctional catalysts. These systems have not been sufficiently studied to support the design of high performance catalysts for alkaline medium. The approach proposed in this project involves carrying out comparative and systematic studies aiming to establish correlations between chemical, structural and electronic properties, and activities and reaction mechanisms that would allow creating rational basis for the development of new multifunctional catalysts. The effects of composition of Pd-based catalysts containing different transitions metals (Ru, Sn, Ir, Au, Ni, Cu ou Ag) will be studied. Metal-support interactions will be evaluated by using carbon-oxide nanocomposite supports containing different transition metal oxides (TiO2, CeO2, SnO2, ZrO2, WO3 e MoO3). The mechanisms of methanol and ethanol oxidation will be studied by combining the analysis of reaction products and intermediates (HPLC and/or mass spectrometry) with spectroscopic techniques (FTIRAS). Studies of oxygen reduction will involve evaluation of catalytic activity as well as quantification of the amounts of hydrogen peroxide formed. (AU)