Materials for solid catalysts

Abstract

Catalysts are used to influence both the path and the rate of chemical reactions. This is achieved by controlling the reaction barriers in such a way that intended intermediates and products are formed. The two characteristic catalytic properties are activity and selectivity. The aim of catalyst development is to obtain a catalytically active material in such a way that it maximizes the reaction rate of the successive catalytic reaction steps up to the desired product. In addition, the catalysts have to remain chemically and mechanically stable and active under the reaction conditions for a long time to ensure an economic lifetime of the catalyst. To achieve the desired properties catalyst development should not only focus on the components required, but also on the material's structure. The most important analytical tool in catalyst development is testing of catalytic activity, looking for the optimum combination of reactants, reaction conditions, and catalyst materials. Development may be mainly empiric, or supported by other techniques, like modeling, experimental design, and/or characterization of the catalyst material to achieve a more targeted approach and to establish a continuously growing knowledge pool for the specific catalytic reaction and process parameters. This contribution considers the heterogeneous catalyst as a functional material and provides a short overview of its components, the material parameters used, and the characterization techniques available to determine these.