Preparation of single site dispersed copper catalyst by SCFD method

Loading highly dispersed metal atoms on porous carriers can improve the electronic structure of composite materials and enhance their heterogeneous catalytic performance. However, preparing dispersed active copper sites is challenging. Based on this, we developed supercritical fluid deposition (SCFD) technology to synthesize single site copper. Firstly, nano zirconia (ZrO2) powder was synthesized using co-precipitation method. Then, copper ammonia solution was chosen as the precursor, by combining the ubiquitous properties of supercritical CO2, the active sites are confined within the support, and the type of co-solvent was adjusted to improve the distribution, particle size, and morphology of single site copper. Using semi empirical models and classical nucleation theory to calculate precursor solubility and nucleation rate, and simulating possible adsorption pathways under different co-solvents with the aid of density functional theory (DFT). These results provide an effective solution for the preparation of heterogeneous non precious metal catalysts.