Grants and Contributions:

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Title:

In-situ infrared spectroscopy of base metal catalysts for automotive applications

Agreement Number:

EGP

Agreement Value:

$24,382.00

Agreement Date:

Mar 7, 2018 -

Organization:

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Location:

British Columbia, CA

Reference Number:

GC-2017-Q4-00877

Agreement Type:

Grant

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Additional Information:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Recipient's Legal Name:

Kaake, Loren (Simon Fraser University)

Program:

Engage Grants for universities

Program Purpose:

Eliminating precious metals in catalytic converters is a highly sought-after goal in the automotive industry.x000D
Catalytic converters consist of a ceramic plug that is coated with a catalyst layer. The plug is incorporated intox000D
the exhaust system of an automobile and is used to passively convert carbon monoxide, unburnedx000D
hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into less toxic products like carbon dioxide, water, and diatomic nitrogen.x000D
The current generation of catalyst materials use precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium tox000D
accomplish the reduction and oxidation reactions at temperatures of several hundred degrees Celsius. Thex000D
development of catalysts made from earth abundant metals like iron, cobalt, copper, and magnesium wouldx000D
provide a significant reduction in the cost of a catalytic converter. However, a major challenge to thex000D
widespread application of base metal catalysts is the harmful effect of water and extended aging on thex000D
efficiency of the catalyst. Understanding the mechanistic details of water adsorption/desorption and thex000D
formation of metal hydroxides is critical in the design of more robust materials. Moreover, a clearx000D
understanding of the chemical composition and crystal structure of high performance catalyst materials isx000D
important in the development of intellectual property. In order to address these challenges, we will performx000D
infrared spectroscopy on base metal catalysts that were prepared and tested under different conditions, andx000D
through careful analysis of the resulting spectra, identify key chemical components that either harm or help thex000D
efficiency of the catalyst material. In addition, we will watch material aging in real time and monitor reactants,x000D
products, and any intermediates as the catalysts perform reactions at several hundred degrees Celsius using ax000D
home-built in-situ infrared spectroscopic experiment.