University of Patras

About: University of Patras is a education organization based out in Pátrai, Greece. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 13372 authors who have published 31263 publications receiving 677159 citations. The organization is also known as: Panepistímio Patrón.

Ceria nanoparticles shape effects on the structural defects and surface chemistry: Implications in CO oxidation by Cu/CeO2 catalysts

Abstract: Copper-ceria binary oxides have been extensively used in a wide variety of catalytic processes due to their unique catalytic features in conjunction to their lower cost as compared to noble metal-based systems. However, various parameters related to different counterparts characteristics, such as particle size and morphology, can exert a profound influence on the structural/redox properties of binary oxides and, consequently, on their catalytic performance. Here, we report on ceria nanoparticles shape effects: nanorods (NR), nanopolyhedra (NP) and nanocubes (NC) on the solid state properties of copper-ceria binary oxides. A thorough characterization study by both ex situ (surface area determination, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, H2-temperature programmed reduction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and in situ (Raman spectroscopy) techniques was undertaken to gain insight into the impact of the support morphology on the surface, structural and redox properties. A novel approach based on sequential in situ Raman spectra obtained under alternating oxidizing and reducing atmospheres was employed to reveal the impact of ceria exposed facets on the structural defects. CO oxidation was employed as a probe reaction to disclose structure-property relationships. The results clearly revealed the key role of ceria morphology rather than structural/textural characteristics on the reducibility and oxygen mobility, following the sequence: NR > NP > NC. The latter seems to have a profound influence on copper-ceria interactions towards the stabilization of Cu+ species, via Ce4+/Ce3+ and Cu2+/Cu+ redox equilibrium. Interestingly, CuO incorporation in different ceria carriers boosts the catalytic activity without, however, affecting the order observed for bare ceria, i.e., CeO2-NR > CeO2-NP > CeO2-NC, implying the key role of support. The Cu/CeO2 sample with the rod-like morphology exhibited the highest catalytic performance, offering almost complete CO elimination at temperatures as low as 100 °C. A perfect relationship between the catalytic performance and the following parameters was disclosed, on the basis of a Mars-van Krevelen mechanism: i) abundance of weakly bound oxygen species, ii) relative population of Cu+/Ce3+ redox pairs, iii) relative abundance of defects and oxygen vacancies.

Review of recent trends in photoelectrocatalytic conversion of solar energy to electricity and hydrogen

Abstract: This work is a review of the recent trends in the photoelectrocatalytic conversion of solar energy into electricity or hydrogen. It focuses on photocatalytic fuel cells and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting systems and presents both the basic principles and the design of devices. It includes a broad review of materials employed for the construction of photoanodes, photocathodes and tandem cells and highlights the related research fields which are expected to be of interest in the near future. The review is intended to become a basic manual for new adepts to the field and at the same time a handy reference to experienced researchers.

Metaverse

Abstract: The Metaverse is the post-reality universe, a perpetual and persistent multiuser environment merging physical reality with digital virtuality. It is based on the convergence of technologies that enable multisensory interactions with virtual environments, digital objects and people such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Hence, the Metaverse is an interconnected web of social, networked immersive environments in persistent multiuser platforms. It enables seamless embodied user communication in real-time and dynamic interactions with digital artifacts. Its first iteration was a web of virtual worlds where avatars were able to teleport among them. The contemporary iteration of the Metaverse features social, immersive VR platforms compatible with massive multiplayer online video games, open game worlds and AR collaborative spaces.