Characterising the active site in liquid metal catalysts (A01)

• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: from 2021 to 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431791331

A01 aims at understanding the catalytic properties of SCALMS and the dynamic behaviour of the active sites at the gas/liquid interface to enable their knowledge-based improvement. We will study model and real-world catalysts in UHV and near-ambient pressure to technical operating conditions. Towards providing a full “depth-resolved” picture, we will employ laboratory- and synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopic techniques with specific surface or bulk sensitivity. The fundamental studies will reveal details such as the metal distribution in the liquid alloy, its (de-)wetting behaviour on supports, its electronic structure, as well as its behaviour and surface chemistry as a function of temperature and pressure.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1452: Catalysis at Liquid Interfaces (CLINT)
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr.-Ing. Marcus Bär; Professor Dr. Christian Papp