Size and Composition Optimized Nanocatalysts for Propulsion Applications.

摘要

In this research we have developed 5 different catalyst formats capable of accelerating the rate of combustion cracking, oxidation and dehydrogenation reactions of jet type fuels. These include: 1) metal nanoclusters covered with a porous nano-oxide; 2) a nanometallic layer on an oxide nanocluster; 3) metal decorated nanoscale oxide shapes; 4) acid functional groups on MWNT; 5) size-selected sub-nanometer size catalyst clusters on carbon-based supports. The practical catalyst formats can be made fuel soluble and most do not use precious metal components. A major accomplishment of this project is our linking the behavior of the model catalyst formats (size selected metal clusters on various substrates) with the practical catalyst analogs. The practical catalyst work was complemented by detailed theoretical and experimental studies on the reactivity of size- selected clusters including studies of support interactions. The links between theory, model catalyst and real catalyst tests are designed to provide a fundamental understanding to aid in the design of active and stable catalysts.