Energy researchers invent chameleon metal that acts like many others

A team of energy researchers led by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities invented a device that converts one metal into another for use in chemical reactions. Thecatalytic condenser is the first to demonstrate that alternative materials that are electronically modified to provide new properties can yield faster, more efficient chemical processing.

The invention opens the door for new technologies that use non-precious metal catalysts for important applications such as storing renewable energy, making renewable fuels, and manufacturing sustainable materials.

The research was selected as an Editor's Choice publication. The University of Minnesota Office of Technology Commercialization is working with the team on a device.

Chemical processing for the last century has relied on the use of specific materials to promote the manufacturing of chemicals and materials we use in our everyday lives. Precious metals, such as ruthenium, have unique electronic surface properties. They are critical for controlling chemical reactions because they act as both metals and metal oxides.

The general public is most familiar with this concept in relation to the increase in thefts of catalytic converters on cars. palladium is more expensive than gold.

These expensive materials are often in short supply around the world and have become a major barrier to advancement.

The researchers relied on their knowledge of how electrons behave at surfaces to develop this method. Adding and removing electrons can turn metal oxide into something similar to another material.

toms really do not want to change their number of electrons, but we invented the catalytic condenser device that allows us to tune the number of electrons at the surface of the catalyst.

The catalyst has a combination of nanometer films that move and stable electrons at the surface. This design has a unique mechanism of combining metals and metal oxides with Graphene to enable fast electron flow with surfaces that are tunable for chemistry.

We used various thin film technologies to combine a film of alumina made from low-cost abundant aluminum metal with a film of Graphene, which we were able to tune to take on the properties of other materials.

The design of the catalytic condenser can be used in a wide range of manufacturing applications. The active surface layer is made from nanometer fabrication that includes Graphene as an enabling component. The power of the device to stable electrons is dependent on the composition of a strongly insulated internal layer. The active layer of the device can incorporate any base catalyst material with additional add-ons that can be tailored to achieve the properties of expensive catalytic materials.

Dan Frisbie is a professor and head of the University of Minnesota Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

The team plans to apply their research to precious metals for some of the most important issues. There are several parallel projects in progress to store renewable electricity as ammonia, manufacture the key molecule in renewable plastics, and clean gaseous waste streams.

More information: Tzia Ming Onn et al, Alumina Graphene Catalytic Condenser for Programmable Solid Acids, JACS Au (2022). DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00114 Citation: Energy researchers invent chameleon metal that acts like many others (2022, May 9) retrieved 9 May 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-05-energy-chameleon-metal.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.