Physical Chemistry Seminar with Anika Auni

About the event

Presenter: Anika Auni
Group: Zhang
Title: Fundamental Understanding of the Zinc-Zirconia Mixed Oxide (ZnO-ZrO2) and their  Role as Supports in Catalysis

Abstract: Mixed metal oxides are excellent candidates in catalyst synthesis since they can serve both as an active catalyst or as a substrate for other catalytic entities. Combining zinc (Zn) and zirconium (Zr) precursors to form mixed metal oxides results in a solid solution due to their compatible coexistence in the crystal lattice. It is necessary to tune the Zn and Zr ratios to enhance this synergistic behavior for the formation of a stable solid solution. In this present research, we prepared different compositions of ZnO-ZrO2 by the co-precipitation method. Then we characterized the oxide samples using X-ray diffraction, gas adsorption, and various spectrometric techniques to probe the limiting range of solid solution formation. Calorimetric measurement was used to calculate the mixing enthalpy of ZnO-ZrO2 at different Zn/ Zr compositions. Based on the structural and thermodynamic results, the appropriate composition of ZnO-ZrO2 was used as the support for anchoring Palladium (Pd) ion. Finally, we use this ZnO-ZrO2 supported Pd catalyst (0.1wt%) for carbon coupling Heck reaction. Preliminary results with ethanol/water solvent media at room temperature and open-air show much better conversion than cases previously reported in the literature with organic solvents.

Zoom Information:
https://wsu.zoom.us/j/93809153065?pwd=eHBWd28yYnVDQTVXVzdHQ0xGNEdEdz09

Meeting ID: 938 0915 3065

Passcode: 8j089e