Transition metal single-atom catalysts supported on mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride for catalytic ammonia reforming

• Applicant: Dr. Sofia Stefa
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 571532929

This proposal aims at the development and characterization of innovative graphitic carbon nitride-based catalytic materials for ammonia reforming, characterized by optimal activity and stability at low temperatures. The focus will be on the synthesis of high-quality mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (m-GCN) and the formation of single-atom transition metal (TMsa) catalysts on m-GCN (TMsa@m-GCN). The research will pursue four primary objectives: A. Synthesis and characterization of m-GCN. B. Development and modification of TMsa@m-GCN. C. Investigation of the surface chemistry of the developed catalysts. D. Catalytic evaluation of the developed catalysts. Initially, m-GCN will be synthesized using a hard-templating strategy with a silica nano colloid template of controlled particle sizes in an endo-templating approach. Various parameters, including silica nanoparticle size, cyanamide/silica ratio, and synthesis and etching conditions, will be thoroughly investigated. Subsequently, a facile impregnation method will be employed to incorporate transition metals into m-GCN as single sites. The physicochemical properties of the developed supports and catalysts will be thoroughly investigated using advanced characterization techniques such as BET, SEM, XRD, XRF, TPR, etc. Their catalytic performance will be evaluated in the ammonia reforming reaction, providing for the first time an in-depth investigation of the structure-activity relationship. Furthermore, the surface chemistry of the most promising catalysts will be investigated using advanced analytical techniques to gain significant insight into the fundamental understanding of metal single-atom–support interactions. The impact of developing single-atom metals on catalyst surface chemistry and catalytic performance will also be explored. In summary, this research will contribute to the development of novel catalytic materials, advancing our understanding of graphitic carbon nitride-based catalysts and their applications in ammonia reforming.

• DFG Programme: WBP Position