Most catalysts consist of nanometer-sized particles dispersed on a high-surface-area support. Advances in characterization methods have led to a molecular-level understanding of the relationships between nanoparticle properties and catalytic performance. Together with novel approaches to nanoparticle synthesis, this knowledge is contributing to the design and development of new catalysts.

Title of Dissertation/Thesis: Architecturally Controlled Bimetallic Nanoparticles for Heterogeneous Catalysis Shenghu Zhou, Doctor of Philosophy, 2007 Thesis Directed By: Professor Bryan W. Eichhorn Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry This work develops synthetic methods for architecturally controlled AuPt and CuPt bimetallic nanomaterials. The AuPt heteroaggregate, AuPt alloy spherical na...

Despite tremendous advances in the understanding of catalysis in the past few decades, the discovery of improved materials for energy transformation processes has been guided by physical intuition and trial-and-error approaches. Even though computational simulations have provided a more rational approach, even the most systematic studies involving the most well-described systems require a large...

New experimental techniques of in situ MAS NMR spectroscopy introduced in the past decade made this analytical method to a useful tool for the study of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions. Batch and flow techniques were applied to study reactions catalyzed by basic and acidic solids. The present review introduces into in situ MAS NMR investigations of transition states, e.g., via the H/D exchan...