Synthesis of High Entropy Alloys through Ultra Fast Laser Pulses for Catalytic Applications

Research into high entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEA NPs) has the potential to progress catalysis research. HEA NPs have been shown to enhance product selectivity, catalytic efficiency, and catalyst stability of processes ranging from ammonia oxidation to carbon monoxide oxidation. Our project is focused on developing HEA NPs that can be used in hydrogen generation. To do this, we have developed a robot that can vary the fluence and pulsewidth of an ultrafast 1064 nm laser to deliver high bursts of energy to metal salt coated supports to convert the metal salts into HEA NPs. These nanoparticles are then examined underneath SEM imaging and XRD to determine the size and structure of the nanoparticles. Future tests will involve synthesizing larger arrays and varied compositions of HEA NPs to determine which nanoparticles are viable for testing. Then, we will test the catalytic performance of these nanoparticles to determine whether they are viable for use in hydrogen generation in rechargeable hydrogen batteries.