Size-dependent phase transformation of catalytically active nanoparticles captured in situ.

The utilization of metal nanoparticles traverses across disciplines and we continue to explore the intrinsic size-dependent properties that make them so unique. Ideal nanoparticle formulation to improve a process's efficiency is classically presented as exposing a greater surface area to volume ratio through decreasing the nanoparticle size. Although, the physiochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles, such as phase, structure, or behavior, may be influenced by the nature of the environment in which the nanoparticles are subjected1, 2 and, in some cases, could potentially lead to unwanted side effects.

The determination of oxide surface charging parameters for a predictive metal adsorption model.

The procurement of oxide surface charging parameters has been a widely researched topic in recent years [1-30]. In this study, a one-site, two-pK surface charging mechanism is used in combination with a diffuse double-layer description of the electric double-layer to fit pH shift data over silica and alumina. From these fits of pH data, with no further adjustment of parameters, metal adsorption can be predicted over both supports to a reasonable degree of accuracy.