Chemical industry produces pharmaceuticals, plastics, fuels, and many other products. Unfortunately, the chemical industry also contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions. To meet climate goals, the chemical industry must become more efficient (i.e., produce the same amount with less energy consumption).This enormous challenge requires more effective (more active) catalysts. A catalyst is used to convert simple molecules like water and carbon dioxide into products that we need. Catalysts work by making chemical reactions occur faster, thereby reducing energy consumption.Catalysts often consist of small particles (nanoparticles) dispersed on a porous material. In some catalysts, the particles are arranged randomly, while in others, they cluster in certain regions. We have discovered that for carbon monoxide oxidation (important for exhaust purification), the spatial organization of the particles is crucial. We found that randomly organized particles are more active than those that cluster in specific regions of the porous material.Although we have shown that the spatial organization of particles affects a catalyst’s activity in a specific case, many important questions remain. Most importantly: can we develop a theory that generally describes how catalysts are influenced by the spatial organization of particles? In this project, we will specifically focus on how nanoparticle spatial organization influences catalysts used for oxidation reactions. We aim to develop a theory that predicts under what conditions the spatial organization of particles affects the activity of catalysts, and our research could therefore increase the activity of many industrial processes. In particular, we expect that our research can increase activity in many bio-refinery processes. Since our research can reduce energy consumption in the chemical industry overall, there is great potential to contribute to less climate impact.
