Project Grant 2306177

The National Science Foundation Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems awarded a $250,338 Project Grant to the Washington University to develop highly selective, active, and stable metal nanoparticle catalysts with ultra-thin porous ceramic shells. Under the Engineering (47.041) federal grant program, the University will create a novel nanostructured size-selective catalyst with a nanoscale porous ceramic overlayer on each metal nanoparticle surface. The University aims to gain a fundamental understanding of the structure-activity-selectivity relationships of such catalysts. A unique molecular layer deposition technique will synthesize the porous overlayers with precise thickness control and well-defined porous structures. Pore sizes can be controlled by altering deposition chemistry, oxide types, and porous structure formation methods. Results will be incorporated into a new Nanotechnology in Catalysis course. Graduate and undergraduate students, with an emphasis on underrepresented minorities, will participate in the research. An annual Nanomaterials Show will stimulate interest in chemical engineering and nanotechnology fields.