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Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of...
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Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 57336

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Michalis Konsolakis

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Guest Editor
School of Production Engineering and Management, Technical University of Crete, Chania, GR-73100 Crete, Greece
Interests: heterogeneous catalysis; surface science; materials science; rational design of metal oxides; nanocatalysis; promotion in catalysis; metal-support interactions; structure-property relationships
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Vassilis Stathopoulos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Chemistry and Materials Technology, Department of Agricultural Development, Agrofood and Management of Natural Resources, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Psachna Campus, 34400 Evia, Greece
Interests: environmental ceramics; functional coatings; surface phenomena; energy-related applications of ceramics and coatings; catalysts
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Catalysis is an indispensable part of our society, massively involved in numerous energy and environmental applications, such as air pollution control, petrochemical industry, fuel cells, manufacturing of commodity chemicals, production of value-added chemical fuels, among others. Noble metal (NMs)-based catalysts are routinely employed in numerous catalytic processes, but their scarcity and high cost makes them disincentive for practical applications. In view of this fact, the rational design and development of NMs-free oxides of adequate catalytic activity, selectivity and durability is currently one of the main research pillars in the area of heterogeneous catalysis. Towards this direction, however, one crucial question must be answered: Is it possible to fine-tune the local surface chemistry/structure of a single, binary or multicomponent metal oxide in order to be highly efficient-like a noble metal-in a specific process? Thanks to the huge research progress so far achieved in the fields of surface science, nanochemistry, catalyst promotion or chemical modification, the answer to the aforementioned question is certainly yes.

Nowadays the catalytic performance of transition metal oxides, such as ceria-based mixed oxides,  perovskites, hexaaluminates, hydrotalcites, and spinels can be considerably enhanced by tailoring the local surface structure (e.g., work function, reducibility, oxygen vacancies) and interfacial phenomena (e.g., metal-support interactions). The latter can be accomplished via the following strategic approaches that could be applied independently or in synergy: (i) employment of state-of-the art nano-synthesis routes towards engineering particle’s size and shape (e.g., nanocubes, nanorods), ii) use of structural/surface promoters (e.g., alkali, graphene oxide) towards the optimization of structural and electronic properties, iii) employment of special pretreatment protocols towards the regulation of surface chemistry and metal-support interactions. This holistic approach in conjunction to the fundamental understanding of metal-support interactions (either geometric or electronic) is expected to lead to the development of low cost (NMs-free), highly active and stable catalysts, for real life applications in the energy and environmental sector.

In light of the above aspects, the present Special Issue is mainly focused on the recent fundamental and experimental advances in relation to the rational design and fine-tuning of NMs free metal oxide catalysts. Advanced synthetic and promotional/modification routes towards the development of highly active composites for energy (e.g., WGS, PROX, CO2 hydrogenation) or environmental (e.g. NOx, N2O, VOCs emissions control) applications are perfectly matched to this themed issue. Moreover, in-depth characterizations studies by means of advanced characterization techniques (both ex situ and in situ) and computational calculations (e.g., DFT method) towards unraveling the fundamental origin of the synergistic metal-support interactions and the establishment of rigorous structure-property relationships are very welcome.

Dr. Michalis Konsolakis
Dr. Vassilis Stathopoulos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Catalysts is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Heterogeneous catalysis
  • Energy and environmental applications
  • Rational design of NMs-free metal oxides
  • Ceria-based oxides; perovskites; hexaaluminates; hydrotalcites; spinels, etc.
  • Novel synthetic techniques
  • Shape and size effects in catalysis
  • Surface/structure promotion
  • Advanced characterization studies
  • Tailoring surface reactivity
  • Fine-tuning of metal-support interactions

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 225 KiB  
Editorial
Rational Design of Non-Precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes
by Michalis Konsolakis and Vassilis N. Stathopoulos
Catalysts 2021, 11(8), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal11080895 - 24 Jul 2021
Viewed by 1407
Abstract
Catalysis is an indispensable part of our society, involved in numerous energy and environmental applications, such as the production of value-added chemicals/fuels, hydrocarbons processing, fuel cells applications, abatement of hazardous pollutants, among others [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 4026 KiB  
Article
Mesoporous Composite Networks of Linked MnFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles as Efficient Photocatalysts for the Reduction of Cr(VI)
by Euaggelia Skliri, Ioannis Vamvasakis, Ioannis T. Papadas, Stelios A. Choulis and Gerasimos S. Armatas
Catalysts 2021, 11(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal11020199 - 04 Feb 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2749
Abstract
Semiconductor photocatalysis has recently emerged as an effective and eco-friendly approach that could meet the stringent requirements for sustainable environmental remediation. To this end, the fabrication of novel photocatalysts with unique electrochemical properties and high catalytic efficiency is of utmost importance and requires [...] Read more.
Semiconductor photocatalysis has recently emerged as an effective and eco-friendly approach that could meet the stringent requirements for sustainable environmental remediation. To this end, the fabrication of novel photocatalysts with unique electrochemical properties and high catalytic efficiency is of utmost importance and requires adequate attention. In this work, dual component mesoporous frameworks of spinel ferrite ZnFe2O4 (ZFO) and MnFe2O4 (MFO) nanoparticles are reported as efficient photocatalysts for detoxification of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and organic pollutants. The as-prepared materials, which are synthesized via a polymer-templated aggregating self-assembly method, consist of a continuous network of linked nanoparticles (ca. 6–7 nm) and exhibit large surface area (up to 91 m2 g−1) arising from interstitial voids between the nanoparticles, according to electron microscopy and N2 physisorption measurements. By tuning the composition, MFO-ZFO composite catalyst containing 6 wt.% MFO attains excellent photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction activity in the presence of phenol. In-depth studies with UV-visible absorption, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical measurements show that the performance enhancement of this catalyst predominantly arises from the suitable band edge positions of constituent nanoparticles that efficiently separates and transports the charge carriers through the interface of the ZFO/MFO junctions. Besides, the open pore structure and large surface area of these ensembled networks also boost the reaction kinetics. The remarkable activity and durability of the MFO-ZFO heterostructures implies the great possibility of implementing these new nanocomposite catalysts into a realistic Cr(VI) detoxification of contaminated wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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15 pages, 8257 KiB  
Article
Development of a New Arylamination Reaction Catalyzed by Polymer Bound 1,3-(Bisbenzimidazolyl) Benzene Co(II) Complex and Generation of Bioactive Adamanate Amines
by Baburajeev Chumadathil Pookunoth, Shilpa Eshwar Rao, Suresha Nayakanahundi Deveshegowda, Prashant Kashinath Metri, Kashifa Fazl-Ur-Rahman, Ganga Periyasamy, Gayathri Virupaiah, Babu Shubha Priya, Vijay Pandey, Peter E. Lobie, Rangappa Knchugarakoppal Subbegowda and Basappa
Catalysts 2020, 10(11), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10111315 - 13 Nov 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2111
Abstract
We herein report the preparation and characterization of an inexpensive polymer supported 1,3-bis(benzimidazolyl)benzeneCo(II) complex [PS-Co(BBZN)Cl2] as a catalyst by using the polymer (divinylbenzene cross-linked chloromethylated polystyrene), on which 1,3-bis(benzimidazolyl)benzeneCo(II) complex (PS-Co(BBZN)Cl2) has been immobilized. This catalyst was employed to [...] Read more.
We herein report the preparation and characterization of an inexpensive polymer supported 1,3-bis(benzimidazolyl)benzeneCo(II) complex [PS-Co(BBZN)Cl2] as a catalyst by using the polymer (divinylbenzene cross-linked chloromethylated polystyrene), on which 1,3-bis(benzimidazolyl)benzeneCo(II) complex (PS-Co(BBZN)Cl2) has been immobilized. This catalyst was employed to develop arylamination reaction and robustness of the same reaction was demonstrated by synthesizing various bioactive adamantanyl-tethered-biphenylamines. Our synthetic methodology was much improved than reported methods due to the use of an inexpensive and recyclable catalyst. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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12 pages, 2333 KiB  
Article
Efficient Multifunctional Catalytic and Sensing Properties of Synthesized Ruthenium Oxide Nanoparticles
by Ruby Phul, Mohammad Perwez, Jahangeer Ahmed, Meryam Sardar, Saad M. Alshehri, Norah Alhokbany, Mohd A. Majeed Khan and Tokeer Ahmad
Catalysts 2020, 10(7), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10070780 - 13 Jul 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3270
Abstract
Ruthenium oxide is one of the most active electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we report simple wet chemical route to synthesize RuO2 nanoparticles at controlled temperature. The structural, morphological and surface area studies of the synthesized [...] Read more.
Ruthenium oxide is one of the most active electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we report simple wet chemical route to synthesize RuO2 nanoparticles at controlled temperature. The structural, morphological and surface area studies of the synthesized nanoparticles were conducted with X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and BETsurface area studies. The bifunctional electrocatalytic performance of RuO2 nanoparticles was studied under different atmospheric conditions for OER and ORR, respectively, versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in alkaline medium. Low Tafel slopes of RuO2 nanoparticles were found to be ~47 and ~49 mV/dec for OER and ORR, respectively, in oxygen saturated 0.5 M KOH system. Moreover, the catalytic activity of RuO2 nanoparticles was examined against the Horseradish peroxidase enzyme (HRP) at high temperature, and the nanoparticles were applied as a sensor for the detection of H2O2 in the solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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18 pages, 5019 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of Strategies for Enhancing the Performance of Co3O4/Al2O3 Catalysts for Lean Methane Combustion
by Andoni Choya, Beatriz de Rivas, Jose Ignacio Gutiérrez-Ortiz and Rubén López-Fonseca
Catalysts 2020, 10(7), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10070757 - 08 Jul 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2678
Abstract
Spinel-type cobalt oxide is a highly active catalyst for oxidation reactions owing to its remarkable redox properties, although it generally exhibits poor mechanical, textural and structural properties. Supporting this material on a porous alumina can significantly improve these characteristics. However, the strong cobalt–alumina [...] Read more.
Spinel-type cobalt oxide is a highly active catalyst for oxidation reactions owing to its remarkable redox properties, although it generally exhibits poor mechanical, textural and structural properties. Supporting this material on a porous alumina can significantly improve these characteristics. However, the strong cobalt–alumina interaction leads to the formation of inactive cobalt aluminate, which limits the activity of the resulting catalysts. In this work, three different strategies for enhancing the performance of alumina-supported catalysts are examined: (i) surface protection of the alumina with magnesia prior to the deposition of the cobalt precursor, with the objective of minimizing the cobalt–alumina interaction; (ii) coprecipitation of cobalt along with nickel, with the aim of improving the redox properties of the deposited cobalt and (iii) surface protection of alumina with ceria, to provide both a barrier effect, minimizing the cobalt–alumina interaction, and a redox promoting effect on the deposited cobalt. Among the examined strategies, the addition of ceria (20 wt % Ce) prior to the deposition of cobalt resulted in being highly efficient. This sample was characterized by a notable abundance of both Co3+ and oxygen lattice species, derived from the partial inhibition of cobalt aluminate formation and the insertion of Ce4+ cations into the spinel lattice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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24 pages, 3516 KiB  
Article
The Effect of CeO2 Preparation Method on the Carbon Pathways in the Dry Reforming of Methane on Ni/CeO2 Studied by Transient Techniques
by Constantinos M. Damaskinos, Michalis A. Vasiliades, Vassilis N. Stathopoulos and Angelos M. Efstathiou
Catalysts 2019, 9(7), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9070621 - 21 Jul 2019
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4474
Abstract
The present work discusses the effect of CeO2 synthesis method (thermal decomposition (TD), precipitation (PT), hydrothermal (HT), and sol-gel (SG)) on the carbon pathways of dry reforming of methane with carbon dioxide (DRM) applied at 750 °C over 5 wt% Ni/CeO2 [...] Read more.
The present work discusses the effect of CeO2 synthesis method (thermal decomposition (TD), precipitation (PT), hydrothermal (HT), and sol-gel (SG)) on the carbon pathways of dry reforming of methane with carbon dioxide (DRM) applied at 750 °C over 5 wt% Ni/CeO2. In particular, specific transient and isotopic experiments (use of 13CO, 13CO2, and 18O2) were designed and conducted in an attempt at providing insights about the effect of support’s preparation method on the concentration (mg gcat−1), reactivity towards oxygen, and transient evolution rates (μmol gcat−1 s−1) of the inactive carbon formed under (i) CH4/He (methane decomposition), (ii) CO/He (reverse Boudouard reaction), and (iii) the copresence of the two (CH4/CO/He, use of 13CO). Moreover, important information regarding the relative contribution of CH4 and CO2 activation routes towards carbon formation under DRM reaction conditions was derived by using isotopically labelled 13CO2 in the feed gas stream. Of interest was also the amount, and the transient rate, of carbon removal via the participation of support’s labile active oxygen species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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26 pages, 4711 KiB  
Article
Co-Mn-Al Mixed Oxides Promoted by K for Direct NO Decomposition: Effect of Preparation Parameters
by Kateřina Pacultová, Tereza Bílková, Anna Klegova, Kateřina Karásková, Dagmar Fridrichová, Květa Jirátová, Tomáš Kiška, Jana Balabánová, Martin Koštejn, Andrzej Kotarba, Wojciech Kaspera, Paweł Stelmachowski, Grzegorz Słowik and Lucie Obalová
Catalysts 2019, 9(7), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9070593 - 09 Jul 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3620
Abstract
Fundamental research on direct NO decomposition is still needed for the design of a sufficiently active, stable and selective catalyst. Co-based mixed oxides promoted by alkali metals are promising catalysts for direct NO decomposition, but which parameters play the key role in NO [...] Read more.
Fundamental research on direct NO decomposition is still needed for the design of a sufficiently active, stable and selective catalyst. Co-based mixed oxides promoted by alkali metals are promising catalysts for direct NO decomposition, but which parameters play the key role in NO decomposition over mixed oxide catalysts? How do applied preparation conditions affect the obtained catalyst’s properties? Co4MnAlOx mixed oxides promoted by potassium calcined at various conditions were tested for direct NO decomposition with the aim to determine their activity, stability and selectivity. The catalysts were prepared by co-precipitation of the corresponding nitrates and subsequently promoted by KNO3. The catalysts were characterized by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)/inductive coupled plasma (ICP), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), XRD, N2 physisorption, temperature programmed desorption of CO2 (TPD-CO2), temperature programmed reduction by hydrogen (TPR-H2), species-resolved thermal alkali desorption (SR-TAD), work function measurement and STEM. The preparation procedure affects physico-chemical properties of the catalysts, especially those that are associated with the potassium promoter presence. The addition of K is essential for catalytic activity, as it substantially affects the catalyst reducibility and basicity—key properties of a deNO catalyst. However, SR-TAD revealed that potassium migration, redistribution and volatilization are strongly dependent on the catalyst calcination temperature—higher calcination temperature leads to potassium stabilization. It also caused the formation of new phases and thus affected the main properties—SBET, crystallinity and residual potassium amount. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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19 pages, 2394 KiB  
Article
Precipitated K-Promoted Co–Mn–Al Mixed Oxides for Direct NO Decomposition: Preparation and Properties
by Květa Jirátová, Kateřina Pacultová, Jana Balabánová, Kateřina Karásková, Anna Klegová, Tereza Bílková, Věra Jandová, Martin Koštejn, Alexandr Martaus, Andrzej Kotarba and Lucie Obalová
Catalysts 2019, 9(7), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9070592 - 09 Jul 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2881
Abstract
Direct decomposition of nitric oxide (NO) proceeds over Co–Mn–Al mixed oxides promoted by potassium. In this study, answers to the following questions have been searched: Do the properties of the K-promoted Co–Mn–Al catalysts prepared by different methods differ from each other? The K-precipitated [...] Read more.
Direct decomposition of nitric oxide (NO) proceeds over Co–Mn–Al mixed oxides promoted by potassium. In this study, answers to the following questions have been searched: Do the properties of the K-promoted Co–Mn–Al catalysts prepared by different methods differ from each other? The K-precipitated Co–Mn–Al oxide catalysts were prepared by the precipitation of metal nitrates with a solution of K2CO3/KOH, followed by the washing of the precipitate to different degrees of residual K amounts, and by cthe alcination of the precursors at 500 °C. The properties of the prepared catalysts were compared with those of the best catalyst prepared by the K-impregnation of a wet cake of Co–Mn–Al oxide precursors. The solids were characterized by chemical analysis, DTG, XRD, N2 physisorption, FTIR, temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), temperature programmed CO2 desorption (CO2-TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), and the species-resolved thermal alkali desorption method (SR-TAD). The washing of the K-precipitated cake resulted in decreasing the K amount in the solid, which affected the basicity, reducibility, and non-linearly catalytic activity in NO decomposition. The highest activity was found at ca 8 wt.% of K, while that of the best K-impregnated wet cake catalyst was at about 2 wt.% of K. The optimization of the cake washing conditions led to a higher catalytic activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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15 pages, 4082 KiB  
Article
Insights over Titanium Modified FeMgOx Catalysts for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with NH3: Influence of Precursors and Crystalline Structures
by Liting Xu, Qilei Yang, Lihua Hu, Dong Wang, Yue Peng, Zheru Shao, Chunmei Lu and Junhua Li
Catalysts 2019, 9(6), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9060560 - 24 Jun 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2557
Abstract
Titanium modified FeMgOx catalysts with different precursors were prepared by coprecipitation method with microwave thermal treatment. The iron precursor is a key factor affecting the surface active component. The catalyst using FeSO4 and Mg(NO3)2 as precursors exhibited enhanced [...] Read more.
Titanium modified FeMgOx catalysts with different precursors were prepared by coprecipitation method with microwave thermal treatment. The iron precursor is a key factor affecting the surface active component. The catalyst using FeSO4 and Mg(NO3)2 as precursors exhibited enhanced catalytic activity from 225 to 400 °C, with a maximum NOx conversion of 100%. Iron oxides existed as γ-Fe2O3 in this catalyst. They exhibited highly enriched surface active oxygen and surface acidity, which were favorable for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reaction. Besides, it showed advantage in surface area, spherical particle distribution and pores connectivity. Amorphous iron-magnesium-titanium mixed oxides were the main phase of the catalysts using Fe(NO3)3 as a precursor. This catalyst exhibited a narrow T90 of 200/250–350 °C. Side reactions occurred after 300 °C producing NOx, which reduced the NOx conversion. The strong acid sites inhibited the side reactions, and thus improved the catalytic performance above 300 °C. The weak acid sites appeared below 200 °C, and had a great impact on the low-temperature catalytic performance. Nevertheless, amorphous iron-magnesium-titanium mixed oxides blocked the absorption and activation between NH3 and the surface strong acid sites, which was strengthened on the γ-Fe2O3 surface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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13 pages, 6305 KiB  
Article
Study on Nanofibrous Catalysts Prepared by Electrospinning for Methane Partial Oxidation
by Yuyao Ma, Yuxia Ma, Min Liu, Yang Chen, Xun Hu, Zhengmao Ye and Dehua Dong
Catalysts 2019, 9(5), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9050479 - 23 May 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2930
Abstract
Electrospinning is a simple and efficient technique for fabricating fibrous catalysts. The effects of preparation parameters on catalyst performance were investigated on fibrous Ni/Al2O3 catalysts. The catalyst prepared with H2O/C2H5OH solvent showed higher catalytic [...] Read more.
Electrospinning is a simple and efficient technique for fabricating fibrous catalysts. The effects of preparation parameters on catalyst performance were investigated on fibrous Ni/Al2O3 catalysts. The catalyst prepared with H2O/C2H5OH solvent showed higher catalytic activity than that with DMF/C2H5OH solvent because of the presence of NiO in the catalyst prepared with DMF/C2H5OH solvent. The metal ion content of the precursor also influences catalyst properties. In this work, the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst prepared with a solution containing the metal ion content of 30 wt % demonstrated the highest Ni dispersion and therefore the highest catalytic performance. Additionally, the Ni dispersion decreased as calcination temperature was enhanced from 700 to 900 °C due to the increased Ni particle sizes, which also caused a high reduction temperature and low catalytic activity in methane partial oxidation. Finally, the fibrous Ni/Al2O3 catalysts can achieve high syngas yields at high reaction temperatures and high gas flow rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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21 pages, 3396 KiB  
Article
Facet-Dependent Reactivity of Fe2O3/CeO2 Nanocomposites: Effect of Ceria Morphology on CO Oxidation
by Maria Lykaki, Sofia Stefa, Sόnia A. C. Carabineiro, Pavlos K. Pandis, Vassilis N. Stathopoulos and Michalis Konsolakis
Catalysts 2019, 9(4), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9040371 - 19 Apr 2019
Cited by 60 | Viewed by 6181
Abstract
Ceria has been widely studied either as catalyst itself or support of various active phases in many catalytic reactions, due to its unique redox and surface properties in conjunction to its lower cost, compared to noble metal-based catalytic systems. The rational design of [...] Read more.
Ceria has been widely studied either as catalyst itself or support of various active phases in many catalytic reactions, due to its unique redox and surface properties in conjunction to its lower cost, compared to noble metal-based catalytic systems. The rational design of catalytic materials, through appropriate tailoring of the particles’ shape and size, in order to acquire highly efficient nanocatalysts, is of major significance. Iron is considered to be one of the cheapest transition metals while its interaction with ceria support and their shape-dependent catalytic activity has not been fully investigated. In this work, we report on ceria nanostructures morphological effects (cubes, polyhedra, rods) on the textural, structural, surface, redox properties and, consequently, on the CO oxidation performance of the iron-ceria mixed oxides (Fe2O3/CeO2). A full characterization study involving N2 adsorption at –196 °C, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed. The results clearly revealed the key role of support morphology on the physicochemical properties and the catalytic behavior of the iron-ceria binary system, with the rod-shaped sample exhibiting the highest catalytic performance, both in terms of conversion and specific activity, due to its improved reducibility and oxygen mobility, along with its abundance in Fe2+ species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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19 pages, 2605 KiB  
Article
Ceria Nanoparticles’ Morphological Effects on the N2O Decomposition Performance of Co3O4/CeO2 Mixed Oxides
by Maria Lykaki, Eleni Papista, Nikolaos Kaklidis, Sόnia A. C. Carabineiro and Michalis Konsolakis
Catalysts 2019, 9(3), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9030233 - 03 Mar 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4121
Abstract
Ceria-based oxides have been widely explored recently in the direct decomposition of N2O (deN2O) due to their unique redox/surface properties and lower cost as compared to noble metal-based catalysts. Cobalt oxide dispersed on ceria is among the most active [...] Read more.
Ceria-based oxides have been widely explored recently in the direct decomposition of N2O (deN2O) due to their unique redox/surface properties and lower cost as compared to noble metal-based catalysts. Cobalt oxide dispersed on ceria is among the most active mixed oxides with its efficiency strongly affected by counterpart features, such as particle size and morphology. In this work, the morphological effect of ceria nanostructures (nanorods (ΝR), nanocubes (NC), nanopolyhedra (NP)) on the solid-state properties and the deN2O performance of the Co3O4/CeO2 binary system is investigated. Several characterization methods involving N2 adsorption at −196 °C, X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (ΤΕΜ) were carried out to disclose structure–property relationships. The results revealed the importance of support morphology on the physicochemical properties and the N2O conversion performance of bare ceria samples, following the order nanorods (NR) > nanopolyhedra (NP) > nanocubes (NC). More importantly, Co3O4 impregnation to different carriers towards the formation of Co3O4/CeO2 mixed oxides greatly enhanced the deN2O performance as compared to bare ceria samples, without, however, affecting the conversion sequence, implying the pivotal role of ceria support. The Co3O4/CeO2 sample with the rod-like morphology exhibited the best deN2O performance (100% N2O conversion at 500 °C) due to its abundance in Co2+ active sites and Ce3+ species in conjunction to its improved reducibility, oxygen kinetics and surface area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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17 pages, 7266 KiB  
Article
The Support Effects on the Direct Conversion of Syngas to Higher Alcohol Synthesis over Copper-Based Catalysts
by Xiaoli Li, Junfeng Zhang, Min Zhang, Wei Zhang, Meng Zhang, Hongjuan Xie, Yingquan Wu and Yisheng Tan
Catalysts 2019, 9(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9020199 - 21 Feb 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4460
Abstract
The types of supports employed profoundly influence the physicochemical properties and performances of as-prepared catalysts in almost all catalytic systems. Herein, Cu catalysts, with different supports (SiO2, Al2O3), were prepared by a facile impregnation method and used [...] Read more.
The types of supports employed profoundly influence the physicochemical properties and performances of as-prepared catalysts in almost all catalytic systems. Herein, Cu catalysts, with different supports (SiO2, Al2O3), were prepared by a facile impregnation method and used for the direct synthesis of higher alcohols from CO hydrogenation. The prepared catalysts were characterized using multiple techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 sorption, H2-temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), etc. Compared to the Cu/Al2O3 catalyst, the Cu/SiO2 catalyst easily promoted the formation of a higher amount of C1 oxygenate species on the surface, which is closely related to the formation of higher alcohols. Simultaneously, the Cu/Al2O3 and Cu/SiO2 catalysts showed obvious differences in the CO conversion, alcohol distribution, and CO2 selectivity, which were probably originated from differences in the structural and physicochemical properties, such as the types of copper species, the reduction behaviors, acidity, and electronic properties. Besides, it was also found that the gap in performances in two kinds of catalysts with the different supports could be narrowed by the addition of potassium because of its neutralization to surface acidy of Al2O3 and the creation of new basic sites, as well as the alteration of electronic properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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15 pages, 4131 KiB  
Article
A Characterization Study of Reactive Sites in ALD-Synthesized WOx/ZrO2 Catalysts
by Cong Wang, Xinyu Mao, Jennifer D. Lee, Tzia Ming Onn, Yu-Hao Yeh, Christopher B. Murray and Raymond J. Gorte
Catalysts 2018, 8(7), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal8070292 - 19 Jul 2018
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5232
Abstract
A series of ZrO2-supported WOx catalysts were prepared using atomic layer deposition (ALD) with W(CO)6, and were then compared to a WOx/ZrO2 catalyst prepared via conventional impregnation. The types of sites present in these samples [...] Read more.
A series of ZrO2-supported WOx catalysts were prepared using atomic layer deposition (ALD) with W(CO)6, and were then compared to a WOx/ZrO2 catalyst prepared via conventional impregnation. The types of sites present in these samples were characterized using temperature-programmed desorption/thermogravimetric analysis (TPD-TGA) measurements with 2-propanol and 2-propanamine. Weight changes showed that the WOx catalysts grew at a rate of 8.8 × 1017 W atoms/m2 per cycle. Scanning transmission electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) indicated that WOx was deposited uniformly, as did the 2-propanol TPD-TGA results, which showed that ZrO2 was completely covered after five ALD cycles. Furthermore, 2-propanamine TPD-TGA demonstrated the presence of three types of catalytic sites, the concentrations of which changed with the number of ALD cycles: dehydrogenation sites associated with ZrO2, Brønsted-acid sites associated with monolayer WOx clusters, and oxidation sites associated with higher WOx coverages. The Brønsted sites were not formed via ALD of WOx on SiO2. The reaction rates for 2-propanol dehydration were correlated with the concentration of Brønsted sites. While TPD-TGA of 2-propanamine did not differentiate the strength of Brønsted-acid sites, H–D exchange between D2O and either toluene or chlorobenzene indicated that the Brønsted sites in tungstated zirconia were much weaker than those in H-ZSM-5 zeolites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

53 pages, 8971 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances on the Rational Design of Non-Precious Metal Oxide Catalysts Exemplified by CuOx/CeO2 Binary System: Implications of Size, Shape and Electronic Effects on Intrinsic Reactivity and Metal-Support Interactions
by Michalis Konsolakis and Maria Lykaki
Catalysts 2020, 10(2), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10020160 - 01 Feb 2020
Cited by 65 | Viewed by 6938
Abstract
Catalysis is an indispensable part of our society, massively involved in numerous energy and environmental applications. Although, noble metals (NMs)-based catalysts are routinely employed in catalysis, their limited resources and high cost hinder the widespread practical application. In this regard, the development of [...] Read more.
Catalysis is an indispensable part of our society, massively involved in numerous energy and environmental applications. Although, noble metals (NMs)-based catalysts are routinely employed in catalysis, their limited resources and high cost hinder the widespread practical application. In this regard, the development of NMs-free metal oxides (MOs) with improved catalytic activity, selectivity and durability is currently one of the main research pillars in the area of heterogeneous catalysis. The present review, involving our recent efforts in the field, aims to provide the latest advances—mainly in the last 10 years—on the rational design of MOs, i.e., the general optimization framework followed to fine-tune non-precious metal oxide sites and their surrounding environment by means of appropriate synthetic and promotional/modification routes, exemplified by CuOx/CeO2 binary system. The fine-tuning of size, shape and electronic/chemical state (e.g., through advanced synthetic routes, special pretreatment protocols, alkali promotion, chemical/structural modification by reduced graphene oxide (rGO)) can exert a profound influence not only to the reactivity of metal sites in its own right, but also to metal-support interfacial activity, offering highly active and stable materials for real-life energy and environmental applications. The main implications of size-, shape- and electronic/chemical-adjustment on the catalytic performance of CuOx/CeO2 binary system during some of the most relevant applications in heterogeneous catalysis, such as CO oxidation, N2O decomposition, preferential oxidation of CO (CO-PROX), water gas shift reaction (WGSR), and CO2 hydrogenation to value-added products, are thoroughly discussed. It is clearly revealed that the rational design and tailoring of NMs-free metal oxides can lead to extremely active composites, with comparable or even superior reactivity than that of NMs-based catalysts. The obtained conclusions could provide rationales and design principles towards the development of cost-effective, highly active NMs-free MOs, paving also the way for the decrease of noble metals content in NMs-based catalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Design of Non-precious Metal Oxide Catalysts by Means of Advanced Synthetic and Promotional Routes)
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