Structure Sensitivity of CO Conversion over Nickel Metal Nanoparticles Explained by Micro-Kinetics Simulations.

Nickel metal nanoparticles are intensively researched for the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide. They are commercially explored in the so-called power-to-methane application in which renewably resourced H reacts with CO to produce CH, which is better known as the Sabatier reaction. Previous work has shown that this reaction is structure-sensitive.

Uncovering the reaction mechanism behind CoO as active phase for CO hydrogenation.

Transforming carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals and fuels, is a promising tool for environmental and industrial purposes. Here, we present catalysts comprising of cobalt (oxide) nanoparticles stabilized on various support oxides for hydrocarbon production from carbon dioxide. We demonstrate that the activity and selectivity can be tuned by selection of the support oxide and cobalt oxidation state.

Understanding carbon dioxide activation and carbon-carbon coupling over nickel.

Carbon dioxide is a desired feedstock for platform molecules, such as carbon monoxide or higher hydrocarbons, from which we will be able to make many different useful, value-added chemicals. Its catalytic hydrogenation over abundant metals requires the amalgamation of theoretical knowledge with materials design. Here we leverage a theoretical understanding of structure sensitivity, along with a library of different supports, to tune the selectivity of methanation in the Power-to-Gas concept over nickel.