Adsorption of molecules on supported, size-selected,metallic clusters

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Project objective

Research objectives and content Studies offree clusters have revealed intriguing size-dependent physical properties, indicating a possibility to 'tailor' new materials by using size-selected clusters. The field of supported, size-selected, clusters is still in its early development and the goal is to study the deposition, properties (shape, electronic structure and excitation spectra) and chemical reactivity of small (I-15 atoms/cluster), size- selected, metallic clusters. Clusters of, e.g., Ag and Pd, will be deposited on graphite and the focus will be on the adsorption of molecules (r2- CO and small hydrocarbons) on the clusters as a function of their size, shape and chemical composition. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) The project will provide training in a relatively new and expanding field. State-of-the-art cluster beams will be combined with other powerful science tools (e.g. STM).The new techniques I will learn will complement my PhD training in surface spectroscopy and provide a valuable basis for a future career in physics. Links with industry / industrial relevance (22) Supported small particles of Ag and Pd are used in real catalysts, and graphite is now a commercial catalyst support. The project will appeal to companies like Johnson Matthey (already linked with the host institution). Future applications may include 'tailor made' model-catalysts for, e.g., the oxidation of ethylene or the selective hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons.

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Participants

• UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM · BIRMINGHAMCoordinatorUnited Kingdom

Links

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