The focus of this thesis is the computational modelling of transition metal bimetallic (nanoalloy) clusters. More specifically, the study of Pd-Pt, Ag-Pt, Au-Au and Pd-Au as a few tens of atoms in the gas phase. The author used a combination of global optimization techniques - coupled with a Gupta-type empirical many-body potential - and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to study the structures, bonding and chemical ordering, as well as investigate the chemisorptions of hydrogen and carbon monoxide on bimetallic clusters. This research is highly relevant to experimental catalytic studies and has resulted in more than seven publications in international journals.
The focus of this thesis is the computational modelling of transition metal bimetallic (nanoalloy) clusters. More specifically, the study of Pd-Pt, Ag-Pt, Au-Au and Pd-Au as a few tens of atoms in the gas phase. The author used a combination of global optimization techniques - coupled with a Gupta-type empirical many-body potential - and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to study the structures, bonding and chemical ordering, as well as investigate the chemisorptions of hydrogen and carbon monoxide on bimetallic clusters. This research is highly relevant to experimental catalytic studies and has resulted in more than seven publications in international journals.
Nominated by the University of Birmingham, UK for a Springer Theses Prize Results are relevant for theoretical and experimental studies of nanoalloy cluster structure and heterogeneous catalysis by bimetallic nanoparticles The research is also applicable in technological applications of nanoalloys, such as in sensors, optics and magnetics. Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras
Lauro Oliver Paz Borbón
Bimetallic nanoalloys Density Functional Theory (DFT) Gas-phase transition metal clusters Global optimization techniques Metal nanoparticles for catalysis