Mechanistic Insights into Interface-Enhanced SILP Catalysis: In Situ and Operando Spectroscopy and Microscopy (opieSILP)

• Applicant: Dr. Tanja Retzer
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 530732852

This project will provide molecular insights into catalytic reactions of a novel class of materials: so-called Interface-enhanced Supported Ionic-Liquid Phase (ieSILP) systems. ieSILPs take ad-vantage of the specific properties of interfaces of ionic liquid (IL) films in terms of segregation, reactivi-ty, and dynamics. We envisage that ieSILPs will be more active, selective, and stable than conven-tional SILP materials. To develop such systems, it is crucial to understand the interactions at the gas/liquid and liquid/solid interface in SILP systems at the molecular scale. It is the aim of this project to provide this mechanistic understanding under true reaction conditions. We will apply state-of-the-art in situ and operando characterization techniques to study ieSILP materials at different levels of complexity starting from well-defined planar model systems to real ieSILPs. We will determine how dynamic processes such as the targeted segregation at tailored interfaces lead to higher activity, higher selectivity, and new functionalities in ieSILPs.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants