Transition MEtal NItrides synthesis from metallic clusters: applications to HeteRogeneous catalysis – MENIHR

MENIHR is an ambitious project aiming at developing innovative syntheses leading to nanostructured molybdenum nitrides and carbides using transition metal cluster precursors. Such materials are of interest in heterogeneous catalysis, in particular for the water-gas shift reaction, to replace noble metals listed as critical raw materials. This reaction takes place in low-temperature fuel cells for vehicles. It transforms CO, toxic for the cell membrane, into non-toxic CO2. The use of such a nanoscale precursor allows forming nanostructured compounds at lower temperatures, leading to higher specific surface areas and enhanced catalytic activities. A further part of the project deals with the study of a suitable support material for the nitrides and carbides catalysts as it plays an active role in the catalytic reaction. A link will be also established between the catalytic performances of the molybdenum-based carbides/nitrides and their structural properties trough modelling.