Area C: Analysis, Theory and Simulation
In Area C and sub-project S1 we take a detailed look at the interaction between catalyst, reactant(s) and product(s), both with each other and with the pore wall.
To this end, we analyze the electronic and geometric structure of immobilized catalysts and support materials using a comprehensive set of experimental and theoretical methods covering all relevant length scales. Additionally, we will measure and simulate the mass transport into the pore towards the catalyst and away from it.
This will enable us to quantitatively describe the effect of individual pore parameters on catalysis and to rationalize the catalytic results from Area B.
Projects
Solid-state NMR methods for the study of the properties and spatial distribution of anchored metal complexes in porous solids
This project focuses on the development and application of novel solid-state NMR probe molecules for the determination of the spatial distribution of molecular catalysts, anchored inside the pores of three-dimensional support materials, the determination of intermediates, reaction mechanisms, and reaction kinetics at immobilized molecular catalysts by in situ NMR methods, and the study of transport properties of model reactants inside porous supports by pulsed-field gradient NMR (PFG NMR). The results of these investigations will significantly support the development of highly active and selective catalysts and the modelling of the reaction systems under study.
Principal Investigators: apl. Prof. Dr. Michael Hunger, Dr. Michael Dyballa
The static and dynamic electronic and geometric structure of multiprobe organometallic complexes in porous polymers
The aim is to investigate the influence of a mesoporous environment on catalyst properties aiming for rational development of improved molecular heterogeneous catalysts. These properties include the electronic structure and the mobility of the catalyst inside the pore. To this end we have selected a model complex equipped with a number of orthogonal spectroscopic handles. We will immobilize this probe molecule into porous polymer films with precisely known anchoring points as well as into structurally well-defined covalent organic frameworks. We will develop novel spectroscopic tools to determine the dynamic and static behavior of the probe molecule.
Principal Investigators: Prof. Dr. Joris van Slageren, Dr. Mark Ringenberg
High resolution tomography of mesoscopic pore structures
The project aims at the high resolution analytical microscopy of mesoporous matrices as well as of the linkage and position of the active catalysts. To this end, correlative microcopy is suggested that combines the methods of electron microscopy with the single-atom analysis of atom probe tomography. Major methodical developments are required for the atom probe tomography. Filling of the pores with contrasting liquids, a subsequent cryo-preparation, cutting to nanometric needles by focused ion beams and the direct transfer of these samples between the dual beam microscope and the atom probe are the essential steps of the planned innovation.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Guido Schmitz
Simulation of chemical reactivities
The catalytic reactions investigated in the B-area will be studied. Rate constants of their chemical steps will be calculated using quantum chemical methods. The influence of the pore will be modeled by a QM/MM approach. This will also clarify possible geometric arrangements of the catalytic complex, reactants, products, linkers, and the solvent in the pore. Additionally, field desorption and fragmentation of molecules will be simulated to facilitate the interpretation of atom probe tomography measurements in C3. C4 will model the smallest length scale in this CRC and complement the other theory projects.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Johannes Kästner
Atomistic and fluid-theoretical predictions of static and dynamic fluid properties in functionalized silica mesopores
Classical force field all-atom molecular simulations are applied to determine the multicomponent phase behavior and transport properties in mesoporous confined geometries. Special attention will be given to silica materials. Once established the pore models allow for a systematic investigation of the effect of pore size, shape, polarity of functional groups, type of solvent, temperature and pressure on the environment around catalytically active sites. From the simulations scale-bridging properties are extracted that are used to parametrize classical (molecular) density functional theory approaches and coarse-graining models.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joachim Groß, Jun.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Niels Hansen
A multi-scale simulation approach for optimizing molecular heterogeneous catalysis in confined geometries
Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Christian Holm, Jun-Prof. Dr. Maria Fyta
X-ray absorption spectroscopy of molecular heterogeneous catalysts in mesoporous materials
X-ray analysis in project S1 will comprise of XANES, EXAFS, HERFD-XANES, vtc-XES, and ctc-XES measurements. These methods provide information about the oxidation state (XANES), local structural parameters around an X-ray absorbing metal center (EXAFS), the LUMO (HERFD-XANES) and HOMO (vtc-XES) states of the complexes under investigation and their spin state (ctc-XES) without the need for any translational symmetry. Using this hard X-ray bunch of methods in combination with theoretical calculations (project C4), all relevant information to understand the structure and working principle of molecular heterogeneous catalysts in projects B1-B3 in situ as well as in operando can be obtained.Principal Investigators: Prof. Dr. Bernd Plietker, Prof. Dr. Matthias Bauer