Research area

Our research is aimed at understanding the factors that primarily determine reactivity and surface dynamics of transition metal oxide catalysts in activation of n-alkanes. Furthermore, metal nano-structures and metal-support interactions are studied in oxidation reactions and CO₂ activation.

The synthesis of the catalysts is performed in a controlled and interactive manner using automated laboratory reactors in which process conditions are recorded. Reaction intermediates are monitored by in-situ spectroscopic techniques applying probes that can be operated in autoclaves and precipitation reactors under synthesis conditions.

The model systems studied comprise phase-pure, polycrystalline materials and highly dispersed metal oxide species or transition metal particles anchored at the surface of meso-structured matrices.

Mechanistic investigations on the reactivity of these model catalysts include oxidative transformations of C1-C4 alkanes and CO₂ conversion reactions. A broad spectrum of in-situ techniques is used to analyse bulk and surface structures as well as electronic properties of the catalysts under working conditions.