Synthesis and Activity of Metal and Metal-Oxide Catalysts

The activity of the thematic group is focused on improving and developing new nanoscale metal, oxide, and sulfide heterogeneous catalysts for processes related to hydrogen energy, utilizing important economic resources, environmental protection, human health, and enhancing the quality of life. This serves as the basis for creating innovative technologies by studying the relationship between composition, structure, catalytic behavior, and reaction mechanisms.

Research Directions:

  • Development of mono-, bi-, and tri-metal oxide catalysts for obtaining pure hydrogen through carbon monoxide conversion with water vapor (WGS) in the presence of sulfur compounds.
  • Development and application of nanoscale deposited metal and oxide compositions with defined structure and properties obtained from layered systems:
  • Layered double hydroxides – precursors for catalysts for fine purification of hydrogen-rich gas mixtures from CO2 through hydrogenation to methane (methanation), oxidation of CO to CO2, hydrogen production through WGS, and precursors for obtaining ceramic pigments. Investigating the influence of modifying additives on the structure and catalytic behavior of the systems.
  • Layered nickel filosilicates – precursors for catalysts for the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils to obtain high-quality solid oils and fats as raw materials for the food-flavor industry.
  • Design of catalytic systems based on base metals deposited on carbon and ceramic materials for use as anodes in hydrogen fuel cells and cathodes for ammonia production.
  • Synthesis of catalysts based on deposited metal oxides and heteropoly compounds for natural gas and biogas reforming to obtain hydrogen, complete oxidation of volatile organic compounds, photocatalytic purification of polluted water and air.
  • Methods such as low-temperature nitrogen sorption, mercury porosimetry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, hydrogen chemisorption, temperature-programmed hydrogen reduction are applied.

 

Leader:

Margarita Gabrovska
Professor Ph.D.
Phone: (+359 2) 9793578
Email: margo@ic.bas.bg
Room: 215

Scientific Staff

Sonja Damjanova-WEB

 

Dimitrinka Nikolova Associate
Professor Ph.D.
Phone: (+359 2) 9793578
Email: dimi@ic.bas.bg
Room: 215

 

 

Sonya Damyanova
DSc
Phone: (+359 2) 9792588
Email: soniad@ic.bas.bg
Room: 211

 

Liobomir Spasov
Chief Assistant
Ph.D. Phone: (+359 2) 9793929
Email: spasov@ic.bas.bg; alusil@abv.bg
Block 12

Iskra Shtereva
Chemist
Phone: (+359 2) 9793587
Email: stereva@ic.bas.bg
Room: 212

Evangelia Petrova Technician,
Chemistry
Phone: (+359 2) 9792531
Email: evpetrova2020@gmail.com
Room: 223

 

 

 

Gabriela Zarkova
Technician, Chemistry
Phone: (+359 2) 9792531
Email: gabbyto18@gmail.com
Room: 223