#Ressources_minières #Environnement #Platine #Nickel
Single atoms as a catalyst
▻https://phys.org/news/2021-01-atoms-catalyst.html
Entirely new possibilities arise in single-atom catalysis that are not available when using ordinary metal particles: “Depending on the surface on which we place the metal atoms and which atomic bonds they form, we can change the reactivity of the atoms,” explains Parkinson.
In some cases, particularly expensive metals like platinum are no longer necessarily the best choice. “Individual nickel atoms show great promise for carbon monoxide oxidation. If we understand the atomic mechanisms of single atom catalysis, we have a lot more leeway to influence the chemical processes,” says Parkinson.
Eight different metals were precisely analyzed in this way at TU Wien—the results fit perfectly with the theoretical models that have now been developed in a collaboration with Prof. Cesare Franchini at the University of Vienna.
“Catalysts are very important in many areas, especially when it comes to chemical reactions that play a major role in attempts to develop a renewable energy economy,” emphasizes Gareth Parkinson. “Our new approach shows that it doesn’t always have to be platinum.” The decisive factor is the local environment of the atoms—and if you choose it correctly, you can develop better catalysts and at the same time save resources and costs.