The Linic Lab is on the leading edge of research into the fundamentals and applications of new and improved heterogeneous photocatalysts. We were among the first groups to report visible light enhanced performance of metal nanoparticle catalysts (Ag, Au, and Cu) due to localized surface plasmon resonance. Our work now focuses on understanding the surface mechanisms that cause enhancement and in developing new catalysts that combine optimal plasmonic and catalytic properties within a single catalyst. We are also working on photoelectrochemical systems for applications in water splitting and fuel cells.
H. Xin, Q. Wu, M. Han, D. Wang, Y. Jin, Alkylation of benzene with 1-dodecene in ionic liquids [Rmim]+Al2Cl6X− (R = butyl, octyl and dodecyl; X = chlorine, bromine and iodine). Applied Catalysis A: General. 292, 354–361 (2005). DOI: 10.1016/j.apcata.2005.06.012
H. Xin, N. Schweitzer, E. Nikolla, S. Linic, Communications: Developing relationships between the local chemical reactivity of alloy catalysts and physical characteristics of constituent metal elements. J. Chem. Phys. 132, 111101–111101–4 (2010). DOI: 10.1063/1.3437609
H. Xin, S. Linic, Communications: Exceptions to the d-band model of chemisorption on metal surfaces: The dominant role of repulsion between adsorbate states and metal d-states. J. Chem. Phys. 132, 221101–221101–4 (2010). DOI: 10.1063/1.3437609
N. Schweitzer, H. Xin, E. Nikolla, J. T. Miller, S. Linic, Establishing Relationships Between the Geometric Structure and Chemical Reactivity of Alloy Catalysts Based on Their Measured Electronic Structure. Top Catal. 53, 348–356 (2010). DOI: 10.1007/s11244-010-9448-1
P. Christopher, H. Xin, S. Linic, Visible-light-enhanced catalytic oxidation reactions on plasmonic silver nanostructures. Nat Chem. 3, 467–472 (2011). DOI: 10.1038/nchem.1032
P. Christopher, H. Xin, A. Marimuthu, S. Linic, Singular characteristics and unique chemical bond activation mechanisms of photocatalytic reactions on plasmonic nanostructures. Nat Mater. 11, 1044–1050 (2012). DOI: 10.1038/nmat3454
H. Xin, A. Holewinski, N. Schweitzer, E. Nikolla, S. Linic, Electronic Structure Engineering in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Identifying Novel Alloy Catalysts Based on Rapid Screening for Materials with Desired Electronic Properties. Top Catal. 55, 376–390 (2012). DOI: 10.1021/cs200462f