Catalyst Surface modification by Ion-beam sputtering

Interface science is at the forefront in the development of new materials for advanced technological applications. In this study, Ion irradiation is proven to be an effective and innovative method for the controlled surface modification of several solid catalytic materials which microstructure can be tailored to significantly enhance their catalytic activity, stability and resistance to ageing. The feasibility of this method is thoroughly investigated here on Pt/Ce0.7Zr0.3O2 and Pd/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 catalysts, which are extensively applied in the reduction of the impact of the emissions from mobile sources. Different techniques have been applied to relate the properties of the materials with their reactivity and modelling of low energy ion sputtering was introduced to describe the erosion phenomena on the catalytic surface with different type of ion, doses and current density.