Hosted by: Dario Stacchiola

The study of surface structure and interface phenomena is an interdisciplinary research area, involving materials synthesis, characterization, performance evaluation and theoretical calculations. The performance at the surface of functional materials is of paramount relevance for many applications: in catalysis, sensors, corrosion-resistant materials and microelectronic devices. Progress in nanomaterials and catalysis stands on three pillars: 1) synthesis of nanomaterials, including the preparation of hierarchically dispersed nano-particles; 2) theoretical studies of materials that enable experimental results to be understood; and 3) advanced, in situ characterization during actual operation (operando methodology). An interdisciplinary approach fosters knowledge-based design of functional materials (e.g., catalysts). Our research focuses on catalysis, where the understanding of the structure-property relationships at the molecular level provides rational basis for the development of catalysts with improved performance and stability. We will present our research on operando methodology to understand structure-properties on supported oxide catalysts, addressing the state of the catalyst during activation and deactivation processes. In this seminar, we summarize the use of operando Raman methodology to assess the molecular basis of catalyst activation-operation-deactivation, mainly focused on alkane oxidative dehydrogenation and ammoxidation reactions. The transversal operando approach places it at the junction between fundamental catalytic chemistry and applied chemical engineering. We will present data about fundamental computational chemistry study on catalysts structure/performance; but also engineering operando to honeycomb shaped working catalysts, and design of operando cells for these applications.