Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2020) | Viewed by 36791

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

Special Issue Editors

Department of Inorganic and Technical Chemistry, UNED, Calle de Bravo Murillo, 38, 28015 Madrid, Spain
Interests: identification of catalytic surface sites; doped graphenic materials used as support metallic nanoparticles; transformations of chemicals produced from the biomass into hydrocarbons; and acid catalysts derived from polyoxometalates
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica, CSIC, C/Marie Curie 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Interests: nanomaterials; nanocatalysis; C1 chemistry; production of hydrocarbons; hydrogen production; biomass valorization reactions; carbon nanostructures; carbon-based catalysts
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Catalysts are made of nanoparticles of metals, metal oxides, and other compounds that may act as active phases, support the latter, or a combination of both. The initial incentive to reduce as much as possible, up to the nano-scale, the size of the particles of catalyst active components is to maximize the surface area exposed to reactants, thus minimizing the specific cost per function and increasing the rate of conversion of feedstocks to products in relatively simple reactions. Nowadays, the interest in nanocatalyst developments has shifted to an emphasis on improving the selectivity of catalysts, allowing one to obtain desirable reactions in more complex synthetic processes. Thus, new generations of nanocatalysts should be designed at the molecular level to display well-defined structural characteristics, in terms of size, shapes, hierarchicall porosity, and morphologies, as well as with controlled chemical composition. The development of efficient nanocatalysts supposes the characterization of their various surface active sites at the nanometer scale, which is focused on establishing of synthesis-structure-performance relationships.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions dealing with the design, characterization, and application of new nanocatalysts for relevant challenging processes, such as those specially developed to enable the insertion of new energy resources, or those related wto the sustainable synthesis of chemicals.

Prof. Antonio Guerrero Ruiz
Prof. Inmaculada Rodríguez-Ramos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2900 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

  • sustainable chemistry
  • catalysts for energy
  • well-defined surface sites
  • nanocatalysts
  • nanomaterials
  • heterogeneous catalysis

Published Papers (11 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 199 KiB  
Editorial
Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts
by Antonio Guerrero Ruiz and Inmaculada Rodríguez-Ramos
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(9), 1686; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10091686 - 27 Aug 2020
Viewed by 1477
Abstract
Nanocatalysts, more precisely solids nanomaterials with catalytic properties to be used as heterogeneous catalysts, are an extended and very diverse group of nanostructured materials representing, at present, an active area of research with application in many catalyzed processes [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 1638 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of Different Acidic Surface Structures in Solid Catalysts Applied for the Isobutene Dimerization Reaction
by José M. Fernández-Morales, Eva Castillejos, Esther Asedegbega-Nieto, Ana Belén Dongil, Inmaculada Rodríguez-Ramos and Antonio Guerrero-Ruiz
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(6), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10061235 - 25 Jun 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3551
Abstract
Dimerization of isobutene (IBE) to C8s olefins was evaluated over a range of solid acid catalysts of diverse nature, in a fixed bed reactor working in a continuous mode. All catalytic materials were studied in the title reaction performed between 50–250 °C, [...] Read more.
Dimerization of isobutene (IBE) to C8s olefins was evaluated over a range of solid acid catalysts of diverse nature, in a fixed bed reactor working in a continuous mode. All catalytic materials were studied in the title reaction performed between 50–250 °C, being the reaction feed a mixture of IBE/helium (4:1 molar ratio). In all materials, both conversion and selectivity increased with increasing reaction temperature and at 180 °C the best performance was recorded. Herein, we used thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and temperature programmed desorption of adsorbed ammonia (NH3-TPD) for catalysts characterization. We place emphasis on the nature of acid sites that affect the catalytic performance. High selectivity to C8s was achieved with all catalysts. Nicely, the catalyst with higher loading of Brønsted sites displayed brilliant catalytic performance in the course of the reaction (high IBE conversion). However, optimum selectivity towards C8 compounds led to low catalyst stability, this being attributed to the combined effect between the nature of acidic sites and structural characteristics of the catalytic materials used. Therefore, this study would foment more research in the optimization of the activity and the selectivity for IBE dimerization reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 6344 KiB  
Article
Densification-Induced Structure Changes in Basolite MOFs: Effect on Low-Pressure CH4 Adsorption
by David Ursueguía, Eva Díaz and Salvador Ordóñez
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(6), 1089; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10061089 - 01 Jun 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2965
Abstract
Metal-organic frameworks’ (MOFs) adsorption potential is significantly reduced by turning the original powder into pellets or granules, a mandatory step for their use at industrial scale. Pelletization is commonly performed by mechanical compression, which often induces the amorphization or pressure-induced phase transformations. The [...] Read more.
Metal-organic frameworks’ (MOFs) adsorption potential is significantly reduced by turning the original powder into pellets or granules, a mandatory step for their use at industrial scale. Pelletization is commonly performed by mechanical compression, which often induces the amorphization or pressure-induced phase transformations. The objective of this work is the rigorous study of the impact of mechanical pressure (55.9, 111.8 and 186.3 MPa) onto three commercial materials (Basolite C300, F300 and A100). Phase transformations were determined by powder X-ray diffraction analysis, whereas morphological changes were followed by nitrogen physisorption. Methane adsorption was studied in an atmospheric fixed bed. Significant crystallinity losses were observed, even at low applied pressures (up to 69.9% for Basolite C300), whereas a structural change occurred to Basolite A100 from orthorhombic to monoclinic phases, with a high cell volume reduction (13.7%). Consequently, adsorption capacities for both methane and nitrogen were largely reduced (up to 53.6% for Basolite C300), being related to morphological changes (surface area losses). Likewise, the high concentration of metallic active centers (Basolite C300), the structural breathing (Basolite A100) and the mesopore-induced formation (Basolite F300) smooth the dramatic loss of capacity of these materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 4563 KiB  
Article
(Ag)Pd-Fe3O4 Nanocomposites as Novel Catalysts for Methane Partial Oxidation at Low Temperature
by Blanca Martínez-Navarro, Ruth Sanchis, Esther Asedegbega-Nieto, Benjamín Solsona and Francisco Ivars-Barceló
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(5), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10050988 - 21 May 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3175
Abstract
Nanostructured composite materials based on noble mono-(Pd) or bi-metallic (Ag/Pd) particles supported on mixed iron oxides (II/III) with bulk magnetite structure (Fe3O4) have been developed in order to assess their potential for heterogeneous catalysis applications in methane partial oxidation. [...] Read more.
Nanostructured composite materials based on noble mono-(Pd) or bi-metallic (Ag/Pd) particles supported on mixed iron oxides (II/III) with bulk magnetite structure (Fe3O4) have been developed in order to assess their potential for heterogeneous catalysis applications in methane partial oxidation. Advancing the direct transformation of methane into value-added chemicals is consensually accepted as the key to ensuring sustainable development in the forthcoming future. On the one hand, nanosized Fe3O4 particles with spherical morphology were synthesized by an aqueous-based reflux method employing different Fe (II)/Fe (III) molar ratios (2 or 4) and reflux temperatures (80, 95 or 110 °C). The solids obtained from a Fe (II)/Fe (III) nominal molar ratio of 4 showed higher specific surface areas which were also found to increase on lowering the reflux temperature. The starting 80 m2 g−1 was enhanced up to 140 m2 g−1 for the resulting optimized Fe3O4-based solid consisting of nanoparticles with a 15 nm average diameter. On the other hand, Pd or Pd-Ag were incorporated post-synthesis, by impregnation on the highest surface Fe3O4 nanostructured substrate, using 1–3 wt.% metal load range and maintaining a constant Pd:Ag ratio of 8:2 in the bimetallic sample. The prepared nanocomposite materials were investigated by different physicochemical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry (TG) in air or H2, as well as several compositions and structural aspects using field emission scanning and scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Finally, the catalytic results from a preliminary reactivity study confirmed the potential of magnetite-supported (Ag)Pd catalysts for CH4 partial oxidation into formaldehyde, with low reaction rates, methane conversion starting at 200 °C, far below temperatures reported in the literature up to now; and very high selectivity to formaldehyde, above 95%, for Fe3O4 samples with 3 wt.% metal, either Pd or Pd-Ag. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 3628 KiB  
Article
Metal–Organic Framework-Based Sustainable Nanocatalysts for CO Oxidation
by Luis A. Lozano, Betina M. C. Faroldi, María A. Ulla and Juan M. Zamaro
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(1), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10010165 - 17 Jan 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3581
Abstract
The development of new catalytic nanomaterials following sustainability criteria both in their composition and in their synthesis process is a topic of great current interest. The purpose of this work was to investigate the preparation of nanocatalysts derived from the zirconium metal–organic framework [...] Read more.
The development of new catalytic nanomaterials following sustainability criteria both in their composition and in their synthesis process is a topic of great current interest. The purpose of this work was to investigate the preparation of nanocatalysts derived from the zirconium metal–organic framework UiO-66 obtained under friendly conditions and supporting dispersed species of non-noble transition elements such as Cu, Co, and Fe, incorporated through a simple incipient wetness impregnation technique. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized solids were studied through several characterization techniques and then they were investigated in reactions of relevance for environmental pollution control, such as the oxidation of carbon monoxide in air and in hydrogen-rich streams (COProx). By controlling the atmospheres and pretreatment temperatures, it was possible to obtain active catalysts for the reactions under study, consisting of Cu-based UiO-66-, bimetallic CuCo–UiO-66-, and CuFe–UiO-6-derived materials. These solids represent new alternatives of nanostructured catalysts based on highly dispersed non-noble active metals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 3634 KiB  
Article
Upgrading the Properties of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Nitrogen-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Produced by Thermal Reduction toward Efficient ORR Electrocatalysts
by Carolina S. Ramirez-Barria, Diana M. Fernandes, Cristina Freire, Elvira Villaro-Abalos, Antonio Guerrero-Ruiz and Inmaculada Rodríguez-Ramos
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(12), 1761; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9121761 - 11 Dec 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2981
Abstract
N-doped (NrGO) and non-doped (rGO) graphenic materials are prepared by oxidation and further thermal treatment under ammonia and inert atmospheres, respectively, of natural graphites of different particle sizes. An extensive characterization of graphene materials points out that the physical properties of synthesized materials, [...] Read more.
N-doped (NrGO) and non-doped (rGO) graphenic materials are prepared by oxidation and further thermal treatment under ammonia and inert atmospheres, respectively, of natural graphites of different particle sizes. An extensive characterization of graphene materials points out that the physical properties of synthesized materials, as well as the nitrogen species introduced, depend on the particle size of the starting graphite, the reduction atmospheres, and the temperature conditions used during the exfoliation treatment. These findings indicate that it is possible to tailor properties of non-doped and N-doped reduced graphene oxide, such as the number of layers, surface area, and nitrogen content, by using a simple strategy based on selecting adequate graphite sizes and convenient experimental conditions during thermal exfoliation. Additionally, the graphenic materials are successfully applied as electrocatalysts for the demanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Nitrogen doping together with the starting graphite of smaller particle size (NrGO325-4) resulted in a more efficient ORR electrocatalyst with more positive onset potentials (Eonset = 0.82 V versus RHE), superior diffusion-limiting current density (jL, 0.26V, 1600rpm = −4.05 mA cm−2), and selectivity to the direct four-electron pathway. Moreover, all NrGOm-4 show high tolerance to methanol poisoning in comparison with the state-of-the-art ORR electrocatalyst Pt/C and good stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6895 KiB  
Article
Catalytic Performance of Ni/CeO2/X-ZrO2 (X = Ca, Y) Catalysts in the Aqueous-Phase Reforming of Methanol
by Daniel Goma, Juan José Delgado, Leon Lefferts, Jimmy Faria, José Juan Calvino and Miguel Ángel Cauqui
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(11), 1582; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9111582 - 08 Nov 2019
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3334
Abstract
In this study, we reported on the effect of promoting Ni/ZrO2 catalysts with Ce, Ca (two different loadings), and Y for the aqueous-phase reforming (APR) of methanol. We mainly focused on the effect of the redox properties of ceria and the basicity [...] Read more.
In this study, we reported on the effect of promoting Ni/ZrO2 catalysts with Ce, Ca (two different loadings), and Y for the aqueous-phase reforming (APR) of methanol. We mainly focused on the effect of the redox properties of ceria and the basicity provided by calcium or yttrium on the activity and selectivity of Ni in this reaction. A systematic characterization of the catalysts was performed using complementary methods such as XRD, XPS, TPR, CO2-TPD, H2 chemisorption, HAADF-STEM, and EDS-STEM. Our results reveal that the improvement in reducibility derived from the incorporation of Ce did not have a positive impact on catalytic behaviour thus contrasting with the results reported in the literature for other Ce-based catalytic compositions. On the contrary, the available Ni-metallic surface and the presence of weak basic sites derived from Ca incorporation seem to play a major role on the catalytic performance for APR of methanol. The best performance was found for a Ce-free catalyst with a molar Ca content of 4%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 5029 KiB  
Article
BaFe1−xCuxO3 Perovskites as Active Phase for Diesel (DPF) and Gasoline Particle Filters (GPF)
by Verónica Torregrosa-Rivero, Carla Moreno-Marcos, Vicente Albaladejo-Fuentes, María-Salvadora Sánchez-Adsuar and María-José Illán-Gómez
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(11), 1551; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9111551 - 31 Oct 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2567
Abstract
BaFe1−xCuxO3 perovskites (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.4) have been synthetized, characterized and tested for soot oxidation in both Diesel and Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) exhaust conditions. The catalysts have been characterized by BET, ICP-OES, SEM-EDX, [...] Read more.
BaFe1−xCuxO3 perovskites (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.4) have been synthetized, characterized and tested for soot oxidation in both Diesel and Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) exhaust conditions. The catalysts have been characterized by BET, ICP-OES, SEM-EDX, XRD, XPS, H2-TPR and O2-TPD and the results indicate the incorporation of copper in the perovskite lattice which leads to: (i) the deformation of the initial hexagonal perovskite structure for the catalyst with the lowest copper content (BFC1), (ii) the modification to cubic from hexagonal structure for the high copper content catalysts (BFC3 and BFC4), (iii) the creation of a minority segregated phase, BaOx-CuOx, in the highest copper content catalyst (BFC4), (iv) the rise in the quantity of oxygen vacancies/defects for the catalysts BFC3 and BFC4, and (v) the reduction in the amount of O2 released in the course of the O2-TPD tests as the copper content increases. The BaFe1−xCuxO3 perovskites catalyze both the NO2-assisted diesel soot oxidation (500 ppm NO, 5% O2) and, to a lesser extent, the soot oxidation under fuel cuts GDI operation conditions (1% O2). BFC0 is the most active catalysts as the activity seems to be mainly related with the amount of O2 evolved during an. O2-TPD, which decreases with copper content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5884 KiB  
Article
Hydrogen Production by Formic Acid Decomposition over Ca Promoted Ni/SiO2 Catalysts: Effect of the Calcium Content
by B. Faroldi, M. A. Paviotti, M. Camino-Manjarrés, S. González-Carrazán, C. López-Olmos and I. Rodríguez-Ramos
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(11), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9111516 - 25 Oct 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3138
Abstract
Formic acid, a major product of biomass processing, is regarded as a potential liquid carrier for hydrogen storage and delivery. The catalytic dehydrogenation of FA to generate hydrogen using heterogeneous catalysts is of great interest. Ni based catalysts supported on silica were synthesized [...] Read more.
Formic acid, a major product of biomass processing, is regarded as a potential liquid carrier for hydrogen storage and delivery. The catalytic dehydrogenation of FA to generate hydrogen using heterogeneous catalysts is of great interest. Ni based catalysts supported on silica were synthesized by incipient wet impregnation. The effect of doping with an alkaline earth metal (calcium) was studied, and the solids were tested in the formic acid decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and programmed temperature surface reaction (TPSR). The catalyst doped with 19.3 wt.% of Ca showed 100% conversion of formic acid at 160 °C, with a 92% of selectivity to hydrogen. In addition, all the tested materials were promising for their application, since they showed catalytic behaviors (conversion and selectivity to hydrogen) comparable to those of noble metals reported in the literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3779 KiB  
Article
Coupling Plasmonic and Cocatalyst Nanoparticles on N–TiO2 for Visible-Light-Driven Catalytic Organic Synthesis
by Yannan Wang, Yu Chen, Qidong Hou, Meiting Ju and Weizun Li
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(3), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9030391 - 07 Mar 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3161
Abstract
The use of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of plasmonic metal nanocomposites to promote photocarrier generation is a strongly emerging field for improving the catalytic performance under visible-light irradiation. In this study, a novel plasmonic photocatalyst, AuPt/N–TiO2, was prepared via [...] Read more.
The use of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of plasmonic metal nanocomposites to promote photocarrier generation is a strongly emerging field for improving the catalytic performance under visible-light irradiation. In this study, a novel plasmonic photocatalyst, AuPt/N–TiO2, was prepared via a photo-deposition–calcination technique. The Au nanoparticles (NPs) were used herein to harvest visible-light energy via the SPR effect, and Pt NPs were employed as a cocatalyst for trapping the energetic electrons from the semiconductor, leading to a high solar-energy conversion efficiency. The Au2Pt2/N–TiO2 catalyst, herein with the irradiation wavelength in the range 460–800 nm, exhibited a reaction rate ~24 times greater than that of TiO2, and the apparent quantum yield at 500 nm reached 5.86%, indicative of the successful functionalization of N–TiO2 by the integration of Au plasmonic NPs and the Pt cocatalyst. Also, we investigated the effects of two parameters, light source intensity and wavelength, in photocatalytic reactions. It is indicated that the as-prepared AuPt/N–TiO2 photocatalyst can cause selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol under visible-light irradiation with a markedly enhanced selectivity and yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

18 pages, 4289 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress on Transition Metal Nitrides Nanoparticles as Heterogeneous Catalysts
by A.B. Dongil
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(8), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9081111 - 02 Aug 2019
Cited by 62 | Viewed by 6156
Abstract
This short review aims at providing an overview of the most recent literature regarding transition metal nitrides (TMN) applied in heterogeneous catalysis. These materials have received renewed attention in the last decade due to its potential to substitute noble metals mainly in biomass [...] Read more.
This short review aims at providing an overview of the most recent literature regarding transition metal nitrides (TMN) applied in heterogeneous catalysis. These materials have received renewed attention in the last decade due to its potential to substitute noble metals mainly in biomass and energy transformations, the decomposition of ammonia being one of the most studied reactions. The reactions considered in this review are limited to thermal catalysis. However the potential of these materials spreads to other key applications as photo- and electrocatalysis in hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Mono, binary and exceptionally ternary metal nitrides have been synthetized and evaluated as catalysts and, in some cases, promoters are added to the structure in an attempt to improve their catalytic performance. The objective of the latest research is finding new synthesis methods that allow to obtain smaller metal nanoparticles and increase the surface area to improve their activity, selectivity and stability under reaction conditions. After a brief introduction and description of the most employed synthetic methods, the review has been divided in the application of transition metal nitrides in the following reactions: hydrotreatment, oxidation and ammonia synthesis and decomposition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of New Nanoparticle Structures as Catalysts)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop