Mixed-potential-driven catalyst research cluster

Establishing the science of mixed potential-driven catalysis toward the applications by using carbon-based catalysts and understanding of enzymatic reaction systems

Kotaro TAKEYASU

Takahiro Kondo (Univ. Tsukuba), Hiroshi Onishi (Kobe Univ.), Shigeyoshi Inoue (Technical University of Munich), Santosh K. Singh (Shiv Nadar University), Kentaro Shiraki (Univ. Tsukuba), Junji NAKAMURA (Kyusyu Univ.)

Mixed-potential-driven catalysis, in which anodic and cathodic reactions proceed in pairs on a single catalyst particle, have recently begun to attract attention in the heterogeneous catalysis field. The full picture of the kinetic mechanism is not yet clear, and we have recently published a theoretical framework on reaction selectivity. By treating molecular adsorption systems and enzymes as model catalysts, and by using operand spectroscopy and probe microscopy, we will provide a direct verification of the mixed-potential-driven reactions. Verification using powder catalysts for CO oxidation and CO₂ hydrogenation and enzymatic systems will also be pursued. The obtained mechanisms of electric field formation and mass transport will be reflected in catalyst design.
 The mechanism of local electron transfer, which is important for understanding hybridization potential-driven reactions, will be elucidated using the O₂ and CO₂ hydrogenation reactions on carbon-based catalysts as a model. In particular, we will elucidate the mechanism by which the local electronic structure controls molecular adsorption and electron transfer, and obtain guidelines for catalyst structure design at the atomic level.