Structural identification of transition metal-deposited ZrO2 cluster catalyst prepared with atomic precision for the selective production of

In supported-metal catalysts, the interface between metal and support acts as an active site where adsorbed gas molecules on metal and support can react. In our recent research, we developed ZrO2 cluster on MgO support as a reservoir of monodentate formate which is essential for methanol production during CO2 hydrogenation via liquid-phase atomic layer deposition. However, the deposited metal species on ZrO2 cluster predominantly determined the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. The proposed project aims to understand which transition metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, or Fe) preferentially stabilize unstable monodentate formate in the identical metal-ZrO2 cluster structure and finally lead to the production of methanol. Specifically, operando characterization of catalysts with metals deposited on ZrO2 clusters prepared with atomic precision will allow us to identify the structure of catalysts and link the distinct selectivity to intrinsic properties of the deposited metal.