Transcript Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticles for Catalysis

Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticles for Catalysis
Recent NSF-supported work accepted for publication
in Advanced Functional Materials describes how to
prepare nearly monodisperse, spherical nanoparticles
of Ni2P and the modification of the particle surface to
enhance hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity. The
removal of sulfur containing compounds from fuel by
the process of HDS is a key step in decreasing sulfur
emissions from vehicles. Supported Ni2P is a
promising next generation HDS catalyst, but existing
methods of preparing the material do not allow for
control of particle size, shape and surface
functionality, despite the fact that these factors will
be key in maximizing activity.
Thiophene HDS Activity (nmol Th/g cat/s)
Stephanie L. Brock, Wayne State University, DMR 0094213
CHCl3 washed-Ni2P
500
400
MUA-capped Ni2P
300
As-prepared Ni2P
200
TPR-Ni2P
100
0
0
10
20
30
40
time (h)
Our results (conducted in collaboration with Mark Bussell, Western Washington University,
see Figure) show that activity towards hydrodesulfurization of thiophene and the phase
stability of solution-prepared Ni2P nanoparticles is a sensitive function of the surface
chemistry. In all cases, the Ni2P nanoparticles are more active than bulk materials.
Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticles for Catalysis
Stephanie L. Brock, Wayne State University, DMR 0094213
Introducing Nanomaterials to Undergrads:
Getting students involved in Nanochemistry
early in their studies is important for the
development of this new interdisciplinary
science, but is not addressed in traditional
Chemistry curricula. Over the course of the
CAREER proposal, three new laboratories and
several
lecture
segments
focused
on
nanomaterials have been integrated into the
undergraduate inorganic courses at Wayne State.
Additionally, a dozen undergraduate students
have participated in original research projects in
the Brock lab. In the process, these students
have acquired hands-on experience with state of
the art instrumentation, including X-ray powder
diffraction, and electron and atomic force
microscopes.
Lance Aquilina, an undergraduate
researcher shows off a poster on his work.
His research (conducted in the Summer of
2007 and continuing) involves preparing
and characterizing nanoparticles of Ni5P4
to assess activity for hydrodesulfurization
of thiophene