In situ scanning transmission electron microscopy investigation of supported cobalt nanoparticle catalysts for green energy generation

The project will focus on cobalt based nanoparticle catalysts supported on titania, which are used for the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis reaction. This reaction is being used in a pilot plant to generate fuels from municipal waste with 80% lower carbon emissions compared to traditional approaches using oil based precursors. Sustainable feedstocks generally have lower purity, so it is important to understand the mechanism and evolution of the catalysts in use so as to optimize their performance and lifetime in differing environmental conditions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is one of the few tools able to directly study nanoparticle catalysts structure and chemistry with atomic resolution and elemental sensitivity. Such characterization can also be performed under reaction conditions using in-situ gas cell technology within the TEM for temperatures up to 1000 C and pressures up to 1 atm. This project will apply advanced TEM imaging and analysis capabilities to understand the evolution of Co based catalysts promoted with different elements both during activation and in the early stages of Fischer-Tropsch catalysis. The results will inform the creation and regeneration of robust, sustainable, selective and efficient catalysts for sustainable energy applications.