WP2 Catalysts Characterization
SCITEC-CNR and UniBo will characterize and investigate the structure of the starting and/or functionalized catalysts. UniBo will study the pristine materials, whereas SCITEC-CNR the ad-hoc functionalized catalysts andthe spent ones. These objectives will be performed using several characterization techniques, such as HRTEM, XRD, XPS, diffuse reflectance UV-visible-NIR spectroscopy, TPR, TPD, ICP, N₂ physisorption and FR-IRwith probe molecules. The acid-base properties will be deeply studied, in particular by CO₂ adsorption isotherms, 2-propanol TPD and pyridine/CO/CO₂ FT-IR. Moreover, in a complementary way, the nature of the acidsites will be determined by pyridines adsorption/desorption tests using a dedicated DRIFT-MS spectrometer. TPD and DRIFTS-MS will be also performed by feeding the lighter reagents, investigating the interaction andactivation of these compounds over the catalyst surface, and follow the evolution of intermediates and products, thus obtaining insight on the reaction mechanism. These investigated structure-activity relationships will beused in synergy among all RUs to develop more active and selective catalysts.