Innovative Heterogeneous catalysts – INGENCAT

We will study a new concept in heterogeneous catalysis based on "core-shell" structures, where the active phase (metallic nanoparticles) is covered by an oxide that is used as a support. This system contrasts from most of the reported studies. Our preliminary results highlight that TiO2@Au@SiO2 core-shell catalysts surprisingly show superior performances in photocatalytic hydrogen generation (10-fold higher activity) and selective oxidation of furfural (3 times better). The objective of INGENCat is to provide fundamental understanding of such core-shell catalysts and identify the corresponding active sites. Our ambition is to solve the mystery around the superior activity of these catalysts as compared to the supported materials. We intend also to shed the light around their versatile properties in heterogeneous and photocatalysis processes in the liquid phase selective oxidation of furfural. The DFT analysis of the studied materials and reaction will be further performed.