Supported catalytic nanoparticles undergo rapid structural transformations faster than many transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) can track. This is the case with platinum nanoparticles supported on cerium oxide (Pt/CeO2) in a CO and O2 gaseous environment. By furthering our understanding of the structural dynamics of the Pt/CeO2 system, improved catalyst design principles may be derived to enhance the efficiency of this catalyst. Developing static models of a 2 nm Pt nanoparticle supported on CeO2 and simulating TEM images of the models was found to create similar images to those seen in experimental TEM time-resolved series of the system. Rotations of static models on a ceria support provides a way to understand the experimental samples in three dimensions, which is difficult in two dimensional TEM images. This project expands the possibilities of interpreting TEM images of catalytic systems.
Details
- TEM Image Simulations of Structural Dynamics on CeO2-supported Pt Catalysts
- Block, Claire (Author)
- Crozier, Peter (Thesis director)
- Muhich, Christopher (Committee member)
- Materials Science and Engineering Program (Contributor, Contributor)
- Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut (Contributor)
- Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)