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Mixed-Metal Oxide Catalysts: Synthesis, Surface Science, and Catalytic Performance

Kshitij Gurung, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Abstract

Metal oxides, particularly transition metal oxides, are of great importance in heterogeneous catalysis for a wide range of reactions. One of the methods of improving their catalytic properties is by substituting some of the cations in the host lattice with guest cations, forming a single-phase, mixed-metal oxide in a homogeneous solid solution. The differing oxidation state, preferred coordination, and ionic radius of the guest cation can result in interesting modifications to the structural and chemical properties of the host lattice. In this dissertation, the morphological change upon inclusion of zinc into tenorite CuO was studied using SEM and TEM imaging techniques. We demonstrate that the inclusion of Zn2+ results in the formation of rough edges in the hydroxyl intermediate leading to an imperfect oriented attachment. Correspondingly, the morphology changes from platelets for pure CuO to needle-like for Zn0.075Cu0.975O2. Furthermore, insights into the influence of zinc or copper on the oxygen storage capacity of the cubic fluorite CeO2 were investigated using temperature-programmed reduction experiments. A positive correlation was established between the solute concentrations and OSC for both systems. Based on methanol-temperature programmed desorption and dry reforming of methane reaction studies, enhanced catalytic properties of the solid solution are discussed.

Subject Area

Chemistry|Analytical chemistry|Chemical engineering|Physical chemistry|Energy|Morphology

Recommended Citation

Gurung, Kshitij, "Mixed-Metal Oxide Catalysts: Synthesis, Surface Science, and Catalytic Performance" (2021). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI28646621.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI28646621

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