Models for heterogeneous catalysts: studies at the atomic level

Abstract

A systematic approach to model heterogeneous catalyst material and characterization at the atomic level is presented. Two examples are used to illustrate the concepts derived from those studies. They document the problems arising on the way to create such model systems and they also indicate possible solutions. The first example is connected with activation of CO2 at the rim of electron rich MgO (thin film-supported Au islands), and the second example aims at the creation of a model system for the Phillips catalyst for ethylene polymerization and, in particular, the creation of a hydroxylated silica support.