Inventors:
Roland D. Seals - Oak Rdige TN, US
Paul A. Menchhofer - Clinton TN, US
Jane Y. Howe - Oak Ridge TN, US
Wei Wang - Oak Ridge TN, US
Assignee:
Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLC - Oak Ridge TN
International Classification:
B01J 21/08
B01J 21/06
US Classification:
502259, 502258, 502260, 502150, 502232, 502325, 423132, 4231501
Abstract:
Methods of fabricating nano-catalysts are described. In some embodiments the nano-catalyst is formed from a powder-based substrate material and is some embodiments the nano-catalyst is formed from a solid-based substrate material. In some embodiments the substrate material may include metal, ceramic, or silicon or another metalloid. The nano-catalysts typically have metal nanoparticles disposed adjacent the surface of the substrate material. The methods typically include functionalizing the surface of the substrate material with a chelating agent, such as a chemical having dissociated carboxyl functional groups (—COO), that provides an enhanced affinity for metal ions. The functionalized substrate surface may then be exposed to a chemical solution that contains metal ions. The metal ions are then bound to the substrate material and may then be reduced, such as by a stream of gas that includes hydrogen, to form metal nanoparticles adjacent the surface of the substrate.