The Effect of Atomic Layer Deposited Overcoat on Co-Pt-Si/γ-Al2O3 Fischer–Tropsch Catalyst

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) was used to prepare a thin alumina layer on Fischer–Tropsch catalysts. Co-Pt-Si/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was overcoated with 15–40 cycles of Al2O3 deposited from trimethylaluminum (TMA) and water vapor, followed by thermal annealing. The resulting tailored Fischer–Tropsch catalyst with 35 cycle ALD overcoating had increased activity compared to unmodified catalyst. The increase in activity was achieved without significant loss of selectivity towards heavier hydrocarbons. Altered catalyst properties were assumed to result from cobalt particle stabilization by ALD alumina overcoating and nanoscale porosity of the overcoating. In addition to optimal thickness of the overcoat, thermal annealing was an essential part of preparing ALD overcoated catalyst.

Electro-Optical Full-Color Display Based on Nano-Particle Dispersions

Electrokinetic displays are among the most important display technologies because of their low power consumption, wide viewing angle, and outdoor readability. As a result, they are regarded as excellent candidates for electronic paper. These types of displays are based on the controlled movement of charged pigment particles in a non-polar liquid under the influence of an electric field. Free charges practically do not exist in nonpolar colloids due to their low dielectric constant. However, the addition of a surfactant to non-polar colloids often leads to considerable charge-induced effects, such as increased electrical conductivity and particle stabilization. In this project, we aim to develop a novel electrokinetically driven display. An unprecedented display device is proposed, based on the concerted action of electro-osmosis and electrophoresis in a non-polar fluid. This method could reduce the switching time required to display information, and extend the applications of electrokinetic displays, enabling increased video speed and full color in the future.