Heterogeneous Catalysts For Clean Technology

Reactive, but not a reactant. Heterogeneous catalysts play an unseen role in many of today's processes and products. With the increasing emphasis on sustainability in both products and processes, this handbook is the first to combine the hot topics of heterogeneous catalysis and clean technology. It focuses on the development of heterogeneous catalysts for use in clean chemical synthesis, dealing with how modern spectroscopic techniques can aid the design of catalysts for use in liquid phase reactions, their application in industrially important chemistries - including selective oxidation, hydrogenation, solid acid- and base-catalyzed processes - as well as the role of process intensification and use of renewable resources in improving the sustainability of chemical processes. With its emphasis on applications, this book is of high interest to those working in the industry.

Heterogeneous catalysis plays a central role in the global energy paradigm, with practically all energy-related process relying on a catalyst at a certain point. The application of heterogeneous catalysts will be of paramount importance to achieve the transition towards low carbon and sustainable societies. This book provides an overview of the design, limitations and challenges of heterogeneous catalysts for energy applications. In an attempt to cover a broad spectrum of scenarios, the book considers traditional processes linked to fossil fuels such as reforming and hydrocracking, as well as catalysis for sustainable energy applications such as hydrogen production, photocatalysis, biomass upgrading and conversion of CO2 to clean fuels. Novel approaches in catalysts design are covered, including microchannel reactors and structured catalysts, catalytic membranes and ionic liquids. With contributions from leaders in the field, Heterogeneous Catalysis for Energy Applications will be an essential toolkit for chemists, physicists, chemical engineers and industrials working on energy.

For far too long chemists and industrialists have relied on the use of aggressive reagents such as nitric and sulphuric acids, permanganates and dichromates to prepare the massive quantities of both bulk and fine chemicals that are needed for the maintenance of civilised life — materials such as fuels, fabrics, foodstuffs, fertilisers and pharmaceuticals. Such aggressive reagents generate vast quantities of environmentally harmful and often toxic by-products, including the oxides of nitrogen, of metal oxides and carbon dioxide.Now, owing to recent advances made in the synthesis of nanoporous solids, it is feasible to design new solid catalysts that enable benign, mild oxidants to be used, frequently without utilising solvents, to manufacture the products that the chemical, pharmaceutical, agro- and bio-chemical industries require. These new solid agents are designated single-site heterogeneous catalysts (SSHCs). Their principal characteristics are that all the active sites present in the high-area solids are identical in their atomic environment and hence in their energy of interaction with reactants, just as in enzymes.Single-site heterogeneous catalysts now occupy a position of growing importance both academically and in their potential for commercial exploitation. This text, the only one devoted to such catalysts, dwells both on principles of design and on applications, such as the benign synthesis of nylon 6 and vitamin B3. It equips the reader with unifying insights required for future catalytic adventures in the quest for sustainability in the materials used by humankind.Anyone acquainted with the language of molecules, including undergraduates in the physical and biological sciences, as well as graduates in engineering and materials science, should be able to assimilate the principles and examples presented in this book. Inter alia, it describes how clean technology and ‘green’ processes may be carried out in an environmentally responsible manner.

The scientific exploration of solid materials represents one of the most important, fascinating and rewarding areas of scientific endeavour in the present day, not only from the viewpoint of advancing fundamental understanding but also from the industrial perspective, given the immense diversity of applications of solid materials across the full range of commercial sectors. Turning Points in Solid-State, Materials and Surface Science provides a state-of-the-art survey of some of the most important recent developments across the spectrum of solid-state, materials and surface sciences, while at the same time reflecting on key turning points in the evolution of this scientific discipline and projecting into the directions for future research progress. The book serves as a timely tribute to the life and work of Professor Sir John Meurig Thomas FRS, who has made monumental contributions to this field of science throughout his distinguished 50-year career in research, during which he has initiated, developed and exploited many important branches of this field. Indeed, the depth and breadth of his contributions towards the evolution and advancement of this scientific discipline, and his critical role in elevating this field to the important position that it now occupies within modern science, are demonstrated recurrently throughout the chapters of this book. Individual chapters are contributed by internationally leading experts in their respective fields, and the topics covered include solid-state chemistry of inorganic and organic materials, heterogeneous catalysis, surface science and materials science, with one section of the book focusing on modern developments in electron microscopy and its contributions to chemistry and materials science. The book serves as a modern and up-to-date monograph in these fields, and provides a valuable resource to researchers in academia and industry who require a comprehensive source of information on this important and rapidly developing subject.

Heterogeneous Catalysis for Sustainable Energy Explore the state-of-the-art in heterogeneous catalysis In Heterogeneous Catalysis for Sustainable Energy, a team of distinguished researchers delivers a comprehensive and cutting-edge treatment of recent advancements in energy-related catalytic reactions and processes in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. The book includes extensive coverage of the hydrogen economy, methane activation, methanol-to-hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide conversion, and biomass conversion. The authors explore different aspects of the technology, like reaction mechanisms, catalyst synthesis, and the commercial status of the reactions. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to the hydrogen economy, including hydrogen production, the reforming of oxygen-containing chemicals, and advances in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Comprehensive explorations of methane activation, including steam and dry reforming of methane and methane activation over zeolite catalysts Practical discussions of alkane activation, including cracking of hydrocarbons to light olefins and catalytic dehydrogenation of light alkanes In-depth examinations of zeolite catalysis and carbon dioxide as C1 building block Perfect for catalytic, physical, and surface chemists, Heterogeneous Catalysis for Sustainable Energy also belongs in the libraries of materials scientists with an interest in energy-related reactions and processes in the field of heterogeneous catalysis.

Advanced Functional Solid Catalysts for Biomass Valorization presents the basic concepts in catalysis (homogeneous, heterogeneous, and enzymatic) and the properties of various kinds of heterogeneous solid catalysts, including their structure, porosity, particle size, BET surface area, acid-base, and redox properties. Useful information about biorefineries, types of biomass feedstocks, their structures and properties as well as about several potential catalytic routes for biomass upgrading to useful fuels and chemicals is provided in this book. Importantly, this book covers the most recent developments toward functionalization of various solid catalysts, optimization of catalysts’ properties, developing cascade catalytic strategies, exploring reaction kinetics/mechanisms, and evaluating catalysts’ stability/reusability during biomass upgrading. Current challenges and opportunities for the future biorefineries as well as for the design of advanced functional solid catalysts are critically discussed. Describes catalysis as a promising technology for the development of eco-friendly and economically viable strategies for several important energy and environmental applications. Covers heterogeneous solid catalysts because of their versatile benefits in terms of catalysts’ synthesis, production cost, stability, and reusability as compared to homogeneous liquid catalysts. Provides promising strategies for the design of new catalytic materials, such as carbon materials, metal–organic frameworks, zeolites, and mesoporous silicas. Describes functional solid catalysts for developing one-pot cascade processes for efficient biomass valorization and other vital chemical transformations.

Presents state-of-the-art knowledge of heterogeneous catalysts including new applications in energy and environmental fields This book focuses on emerging techniques in heterogeneous catalysis, from new methodology for catalysts design and synthesis, surface studies and operando spectroscopies, ab initio techniques, to critical catalytic systems as relevant to energy and the environment. It provides the vision of addressing the foreseeable knowledge gap unfilled by classical knowledge in the field. Heterogeneous Catalysts: Advanced Design, Characterization and Applications begins with an overview on the evolution in catalysts synthesis and introduces readers to facets engineering on catalysts; electrochemical synthesis of nanostructured catalytic thin films; and bandgap engineering of semiconductor photocatalysts. Next, it examines how we are gaining a more precise understanding of catalytic events and materials under working conditions. It covers bridging pressure gap in surface catalytic studies; tomography in catalysts design; and resolving catalyst performance at nanoscale via fluorescence microscopy. Quantum approaches to predicting molecular reactions on catalytic surfaces follows that, along with chapters on Density Functional Theory in heterogeneous catalysis; first principles simulation of electrified interfaces in electrochemistry; and high-throughput computational design of novel catalytic materials. The book also discusses embracing the energy and environmental challenges of the 21st century through heterogeneous catalysis and much more. Presents recent developments in heterogeneous catalysis with emphasis on new fundamentals and emerging techniques Offers a comprehensive look at the important aspects of heterogeneous catalysis Provides an applications-oriented, bottoms-up approach to a high-interest subject that plays a vital role in industry and is widely applied in areas related to energy and environment Heterogeneous Catalysts: Advanced Design, Characterization and Applications is an important book for catalytic chemists, materials scientists, surface chemists, physical chemists, inorganic chemists, chemical engineers, and other professionals working in the chemical industry.

An essential companion for catalysis researchers and professionals studying economically viable and eco-friendly catalytic strategies for energy conversion In the two-volume Heterogeneous Nanocatalysis for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, a team of distinguished researchers deliver a comprehensive discussion of fundamental concepts in, and practical applications of, heterogeneous nanocatalysis for alternative energy production, biomass conversion, solar energy, green fuels, H2 production, fuel cells, electrochemical energy conversion processes, CO2 conversion, clean water, and environmental protection. The volumes cover the design and catalytic performance of various nanocatalysts, including nanosized metals and metal oxides, supported metal nanoparticles, inverse oxide-metal nanocatalysts, core-shell nanocatalysts, nanoporous zeolites, nanocarbon composites, and metal oxides in confined spaces. Each chapter contains a critical discussion of the opportunities and challenges posed by the use of nanosized catalysts for practical applications. Volume 1 – Energy Applications focuses on the conversion of renewable energy (biomass/solar) into green fuels and chemicals, ammonia synthesis, clean hydrogen production, and electrochemical energy conversion processes using a variety of nanosized catalysts. It also offers: A thorough introduction to heterogeneous catalysis and nanocatalysis, as well as a discussion of catalytic active sites at nano-scale range Comprehensive explorations of the methods for control and activation of nanosized catalysts Practical discussions of C3N4-based nanohybrid catalysts for solar hydrogen production via water splitting Nanosized catalysts in visible light photocatalysis for sustainable organic synthesis Applications of MXenes in electrocatalysis Perfect for researchers, postgraduate students, chemists, and engineers interested in heterogeneous catalysis and nanocatalysis, Heterogeneous Nanocatalysis for Energy and Environmental Sustainability will also earn a place in the libraries of professionals working in alternative energy production, biomass conversion, solar energy, green fuels, H2 production, fuel cells, electrochemical energy conversion processes, CO2 conversion, clean water, and environmental protection.