| AVS 61st International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Surface Science | Tuesday Sessions |
| Session SS-TuP |
| Session: | Surface Science Poster Session |
| Presenter: | Hsuan Kung, University of Delaware |
| Authors: | H. Kung, University of Delaware A.V. Teplyakov, University of Delaware |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Cu/ZnO catalyst is one of promising catalysts commonly used in industry for methanol synthesis, methanol steam reforming, and hydrogen production reactions. Two typical methods to prepare this catalyst are wet chemistry or vacuum-based techniques. In this study, we grew Cu nanoparticles on zinc oxide (ZnO) powder at room temperature using common chemical vapor deposition precursors, such as hexafluoroacetylacetonate copper(I) vinyltrimethylsilane, (Cu(hfac)(VTMS)) under high vacuum conditions. Before deposition, exposing ZnO powder to the gas-phase water to form a hydroxyl-terminated monolayer was able to enhance the growth of copper nanoparticles. In-situ FTIR studies showed that the intensity of the infrared signatures of hydroxyl groups decreased following exposure to copper precursor and confirmed copper deposition . X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy studies determined that Cu(I) species are the dominant products present on the surface. Cu nanoparticles grown on ZnO(000-1), ZnO (10-10) and defect sites were visualized by Scanning electron microscopy. This Cu/ZnO surface covered with strongly bound hfac ligands was then annealed to different temperature to remove surface contamination. The thermal chemistry involved in this process and the chemical stability of the surface-bound ligands will be discussed.