Ion-beam Sputtering for the surface modification of heterogeneous nanodispersed Catalysts

Interface science is crucial for the development of new technologically advanced materials. In particular, this study shows that ion beam sputtering can be used as an effective technique for the controlled surface modification of solid heterogeneous catalysts. The surface properties of these nano materials can be tailored to enhance their catalytic performance leading to better resistance to aging and a reduction of the PGM loading. The technique has been applied on catalysts of relevant interest like the ones applied in the emission control (e.g. Pt/Ce0.7Zr0.3O2 catalyst). The effect of the different parameters of ion bombardment (type of ions, energy, doses) on the catalytic activity has been investigated. Modeling of the treatment has also been introduced to the describe erosion of the surface through ion sputtering and deeply understand the correlations between the parameters of the bombardment and the observed enhanced catalytic activity.