Atom Probe Characterization of Metal/Oxide Interfaces in Anchored Metal Catalyst Systems
EMSL Project ID
49056
Abstract
A critical challenge for high temperature electrochemistry is metallic catalyst stability. Rapid migration of nickel features is a key limitation to the lifetime and therefore, large-scale viability of electro-chemical energy conversion. This challenge is also directly relevant to systems such as fuel reformers and automotive catalytic converters. Application of this stabilization approach to traditional platinum catalytic converters is also of key interest and may address not only reduced platinum loading (hence price) with increased efficacy but also the environmental hazard associated with catalyst attrition. A system which serves as a good model for this type of behavior is that of nickel metal on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The use of aluminum titanium oxide (Al2TiO5 or ALT) as a dopant at the interface of nickel and YSZ has been shown to dramatically stabilize nickel metal microstructures at high temperatures. The aim of this collaborative effort with EMSL is to characterize the interface of nickel nanoparticles and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) when doped with ALT and subjected to thermal treatments. The nano-meter interfaces in these enhanced catalyst systems is not understood, due in part to the multiple phases present at very small length scales and the potential for variations in chemical stoichiometry. Efforts at EMSL will focus on using Atom Probe Tomography to characterize the Ni/YSZ/ALT interface in a way that helps to elucidate ALT stabilization mechanisms. The understanding gained from this work will be fundamental in optimizing the current system and applying the technology to other catalytic systems.
Project Details
Project type
Limited Scope
Start Date
2015-09-01
End Date
2015-11-01
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator