Noble metal cluster
The group focuses on fundamental and applied research with respect to synthesis, characterization and utilization of macro-, meso-, and microscopically well-defined materials as catalysts and sorbents. Full integration with reactor technology within the group allows transferring fundamental results into scalable reaction routes for petroleum and petrochemical reactions. Materials studied include well-structured micro and mesoporous oxides containing metallic and oxidic nano-clusters. Catalyst or sorbent design and synthesis are based on the atomistic understanding of the target reactions. Advanced in situ characterization methods such as molecular spectroscopy (IR, Raman and inelastic neutron scattering) or X-ray absorption and diffraction are developed and improved by the group and are used to understand the synthesis and chemical properties of the materials. Generic catalytic target reactions are the catalytic activation, functionalization and transformation of hydrocarbons, the synthesis of amines, and reactions related to the reduction of emissions of mobile and stationary engines.