Confinement Impact for the Dynamics of Supported Metal Nanocatalyst.

Supported metal nanoparticles play key roles in nanoelectronics, sensors, energy storage/conversion, and catalysts for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. Direct observation of the dynamic processes of nanocatalysts at high temperatures and the confinement of supports is of great significance to investigate nanoparticle structure and functions for practical utilization. Here, in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy photos and videos are combined with dynamics simulations to reveal the real-time dynamic behavior of Pt nanocatalysts at operation temperatures.

Tuning the Synthesis of Manganese Oxides Nanoparticles for Efficient Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol.

The liquid phase oxidation of benzyl alcohol is an important reaction for generating benzaldehyde and benzoic acid that are largely required in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. The current production systems suffer from either low conversion or over oxidation. From the viewpoint of economy efficiency and environmental demand, we are aiming to develop new high-performance and cost-effective catalysts based on manganese oxides that can allow the green aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol under mild conditions.