A set of supported bimetallic catalysts, designated
[Re7Ir−N], [Re7Ir−P],
[Re5IrRe2−N], and
[Re5IrRe2−P], has been prepared from two structural isomers (1 and
2) of the cluster compound
[Z]2[Re7IrC(CO)23]
(Z+ =
NEt4
+,
N(PPh3)2
+) by deposition onto
high surface area alumina (≤1% Re) and activation in H2
at 773 K. The
specific activities of the catalysts for ethane hydrogenolysis at 500 K
vary significantly (3−63 mmol of CH4/mol of
Re7Ir per s) and depend on both the metal framework
structure and the counterion present in the precursor.
Interpretation of EXAFS data (from both Re and Ir
L3-edges) has enabled the development of specific models
for
the catalyst particle nanostructures that correlate with the catalytic
activities. The more active catalysts
([Re7Ir−N]
and [Re5IrRe2−N]) are modeled by a
hemisphere of close-packed (hcp) metal atoms (average diameter 1 nm)
with
Ir at the core. On the other hand, the less active catalysts
([Re7Ir−P] and
[Re5IrRe2−P]) are better described
as
two-dimensional layer structures. A combination of techniques,
TPDE, IR, XANES, and EXAFS, applied under
temperature-programmed conditions, has demonstrated that evolution of
the final catalyst particle nanostructure depends
on significant initial fragmentation of the cluster framework followed
by preferential nucleation at iridium centers.