Synthesis and Stabilization of Supported Metal Catalysts by Atomic Layer Deposition

TLDR: Using methanol decomposition and oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane as probe reactions, it is demonstrated that selectively blocking low coordination metal sites by oxide overcoats can provide another strategy to enhance both the durability and selectivity of metal catalysts.

Abstract: Supported metal nanoparticles are among the most important cata-lysts for many practical reactions, including petroleum refining, automobile exhaust treatment, and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The catalytic performance strongly depends on the size, composition, and structure of the metal nanoparticles, as well as the underlying support. Scientists have used conventional synthesis methods including impregnation, ion exchange, and deposition–precipitation to control and tune these factors, to establish structure–performance relationships, and to develop better catalysts. Meanwhile, chemists have improved the stability of metal nanoparticles against sintering by the application of protective layers, such as polymers and oxides that encapsulate the metal particle. This often leads to decreased catalytic activity due to a lack of precise control over the thickness of the protective layer.A promising method of catalyst synthesis is atomic layer deposition (ALD). ALD is a variation on chemical vapor deposition in ...