How Gold Deposition Affects Anatase Performance in the Photo-catalytic Oxidation of Cyclohexane

Gold deposition on Hombikat UV100 was found to negatively affect the activity of this Anatase catalyst in selective photo-oxidation of cyclohexane. By ammonia TPD and DRIFT spectroscopy it was determined that the Au deposition procedure leads to a significant decrease in OH-group density (mol m−2 BET) on Hombikat, suggesting that the amount of surface OH-groups, rather than the presence or absence of Au, is determining the catalytic performance. The importance of surface OH-groups was demonstrated by comparing the performance of Hombikat (with and without Au deposition) to surface propoxylated TiO2, synthesized by a sol–gel method from titanium (IV) isopropoxide. The effect of the deposition recipe of noble metals on the surface composition of TiO2 should thus be taken into account in evaluating and explaining photocatalytic performance of TiO2 modified by noble metals (Au), in particular in non-aqueous phase reactions

The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) Instrument: Characterization of Organic Material in Martian Sediments

International audienceThe Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument onboard the ESA/Roscosmos ExoMars rover (to launch in July, 2020) will analyze volatile and refractory organic compounds in martian surface and subsurface sediments. In this study, we describe the design, current status of development, and analytical capabilities of the instrument. Data acquired on preliminary MOMA flight-like hardware and experimental setups are also presented, illustrating their contribution to the overall science return of the mission