Research Areas - Fundamental Science
Molecularly directed synthesis of nano particles for catalysis applications.
In all catalyst research, a fundamental understanding of the chemical reaction mechanism(s) that occur on the catalyst surface, including an identification of the catalytic site(s) directly involved in the rate-limiting elementary process(es), is critically important to an effort to rationally develop improved catalysts and catalytic processes [see our Basic Research flier (pdf, 244 kb)]. Our competitive niche is using the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory's capabilities for ultra-high vacuum surface science to address the fundamental aspects of the chemical reaction mechanism(s) that occur on the catalyst surface, particularly with respect to oxide-based catalyst materials. This is coupled with resources (facilities and expertise) unique in the DOE National Laboratory system to directly apply these basic research results to large and growing programs aimed at catalyst material and process development. Furthermore, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) facilities, as well as high-speed computers and computational chemistry software, have great potential for directly addressing fundamental issues in heterogeneous catalysis.