Full metadata record
DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributorDepartment of Applied Physicsen_US
dc.contributor.advisorLi, MengJung Molly (AP)en_US
dc.contributor.advisorLau, Shu Ping Daniel (AP)en_US
dc.creatorXiong, Pei-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/13084-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic Universityen_US
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleTammann temperature-guided synthesis of efficient and stable core@shell ruthenium-free catalysts for ammonia decompositionen_US
dcterms.abstractAmmonia (NH3) is a promising liquid carrier for hydrogen (H2) storage, but its wide-scale adoption is hindered by the reliance on expensive ruthenium (Ru) catalysts for low-temperature catalysis. However, non-precious metal catalysts typically require high temperatures above 600 °C to achieve effective NH3 decomposition. To address these limitations, this study introduces a synergistic strategy for designing a heterostructure Ru-free core@shell catalyst. The innovative catalyst comprises well-dispersed non-precious cobalt (Co) nanoparticles encapsulated on a mixed-metal oxide shell.en_US
dcterms.abstractThe thesis begins by introducing a simple and universal core@shell synthesis approach for the thermal-induced encapsulation of transition metal nanoparticles (MT NPs) through the achievement of unconventional strong metal-support interactions (SMSI). This approach leverages the Tammann temperature (TTam), which describes the increased mobility and reactivity of atoms in solid-state materials at temperatures higher than half of the melting point. In-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), in-situ Raman spectroscopy, and in-situ scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) are employed to elucidate the encapsulation mechanism: Once a coating overlayer of low TTam compounds is formed on MT NPs, further overlayer functionalization occurs through a solid-state reaction, resulting in the formation of the highly thermally stable protective layer of the catalyst support encapsulating the metal core. By adhering to this universal guideline, we successfully obtain various core@shell nanocatalysts, including Cu@MgAl2O4-x, Ni@BaAl2O4-x, Co@BaAl2O4-x, and Co@BaTiO3-x.en_US
dcterms.abstractFollowing a series of optimizations, a highly efficient and cost-effective core@shell Co@BaAl2O4-x catalyst for NH3 decomposition at moderate temperatures of 500 °C is proposed. Building upon this catalyst design, the thesis delves into an investigation of the dynamic cyclic strain evolution mechanism over the catalyst, with a specific focus on the role of tensile strained surfaces. Comprehensive structural and lattice evolution analyses, conducted through ex-situ and in-situ experimental observations, along with electronic and occupied molecular orbitals analyses employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations, provide valuable insights into the interplay between strain modulation, NH3 adsorption, N-H dissociation, and strain restoration. Specifically, the tensile strain present in the Co lattice plays a crucial role in enhancing both NH3 adsorption and N-H dissociation processes. Furthermore, the release of strain upon NH3 adsorption enables efficient desorption of reaction products and guards against active site poisoning. These findings shed light on the strain-induced effects in catalysis, offering perspectives for strain engineering in the design of advanced catalysts for highly efficient NH3 decomposition and related reactions.en_US
dcterms.abstractIn summary, this thesis provides valuable insights into the thermal-induced metal encapsulation principle guided by TTam, offering a straightforward synthesis approach to effectively design and optimize nanocatalysts with long-term robustness. The unique core@shell configuration with tensile strain presented by this strategy will not only pave the way for the practical application of Co-based catalysts in NH3 decomposition, but also significantly contribute to the progress of sustainable and efficient catalyst design in this field.en_US
dcterms.extentxxvi, 168 pages : color illustrationsen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2024en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelPh.D.en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Doctorateen_US
dcterms.LCSHAmmonia -- Synthesisen_US
dcterms.LCSHCatalysisen_US
dcterms.LCSHNanoparticlesen_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsopen accessen_US

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
7533.pdfFor All Users14.14 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show simple item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/13084