AbstractThe catalytic properties of cryogelated noble metal aerogel monoliths out of aqueous colloids are investigated using the oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) as a model reaction, in order to evaluate their potential for catalytic applications. Aerogels built of self-supporting platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) nanocrystals (NCs) have a directly accessible catalyst surface and show catalytic performance similar to state of the art catalysts while being support-free and therefore ultralight materials. In addition, these materials provide properties like room temperature CO conversion and spontaneous catalytic reactions. However, full material aerogel catalysts come with the side effect of limited thermal stability, which will have to be overcome in future.
Special Issue on Surface in Electrochemistry. Modeling and Catalytic Properties of the Ultrafine Noble Metal Particles Electrode.