Identifying the nature of metal-promoter interaction in Rh-based catalysts for COx hydrogenation via SOMC

The Rh-based catalysts have recently shown promising selectivity towards oxygenates like CH3OH and CH3CH2OH in COx (CO and CO2) hydrogenation.
Via surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC), a powerful tool for the construction of well-defined model catalysts for an array of reactions, we have synthesized
size-homogeneous Rh nanoparticles doped with different promoters on SiO2 (RhM@SiO2, M = Mn or Fe) to rationalize the effect of various metal promoters.
By conducting ex-situ as well as in situ x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) experiments to identify the speciation of these bimetallic catalysts especially under
working state, we hope to elucidate the nature of metal-promoter interaction for Rh-based catalyst and the active site for the formation of oxygenates (including
methanol and ethanol). The outcomes of this proposal will enable to rational design the highly efficient catalysts for COx hydrogenation to oxygenates.