Efficient CO₂ Conversion to LPG via PdGa and PtGa Catalysts Supported on 2D Zeolites

01.10.2026 - 30.09.2028
Research funding project

This project brings together TU Wien and VISTEC, combining complementary expertise and sharing commitment to research excellence and long-term collaboration. It focuses on developing multifunctional catalytic systems that integrate PtGa and PdGa bimetallic sites with acidic hierarchical 2D zeolite frameworks to steer CO₂ hydrogenation toward higher hydrocarbons (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), C₃–C₄ such as propane and butane). This approach is promising because alloying noble metals with gallium induces electronic (ligand) and geometric (ensemble) effects, modifying adsorption energies of key intermediates and enhancing selectivity. Supporting PtGa or PdGa nanoparticles on 2D zeolites further improves performance due to enhanced mass transport and high silanol surface densities, as they help stabilizing metal nanoparticles. A comprehensive characterization of catalyst composition, structure, morphology, and valence states will be carried out using ex-situ and preferentially in situ/operando HRTEM, XRD, NAP-XPS, and DRIFTS, while catalytic performance will be quantified by gas chromatography. This is a strongly collaborative project with mutual research visits: VISTEC will lead catalyst preparation and ex situ characterization, while TU Wien will focus on in situ/operando studies, including joint synchrotron beamtimes.

People

Project leader

Institute

Grant funds

  • OeAD (Österreichische Austauschdienst)-Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung

Research focus

  • Structure-Property Relationsship: 30%
  • Surfaces and Interfaces: 35%
  • Materials Characterization: 35%

External partner

  • Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology

Publications