ZnO nanoparticles with differing dominant facets were prepared and characterized by a complimentary of techniques such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, temperature programmed desorption of H2O, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of adsorbed D2O. For the first time, water interaction/activation is compared on ZnO polar and non-polar facets. We report that non-polar facets exhibit high activity in water activation, which favors reactions such as ketonization and steam reforming in which dissociated water is involved. The distinct water dissociation on ZnO non-polar facets could be related to its facile formation of oxygen vacancies under realistic reaction conditions.
Revised: July 18, 2016 |
Published: November 1, 2015
Citation
Zhang H., J. Sun, C. Liu, and Y. Wang. 2015.Distinct water activation on polar/non-polar facets of ZnO nanoparticles.Journal of Catalysis 331.PNNL-SA-115390.doi:10.1016/j.jcat.2015.08.016