Catalyst Classification and Preparation
"Classification of Catalysts:Catalyst Preparations,Types of
Catalysts,Meso and Microporous Materials,Nanomaterial
Catalysts and Their Significance,Zeolites and Related
Molecular Sieves
,Supported and Bifunctional Catalysts and Catalyst
Regeneration,Activity and Lifespan of Catalysts
,Active Centers,Promoters and Poisons,Catalyst
Deactivation"Explain these topics in complete detail and
generate study material for the End semester examination
of Master of Chemical Engineering syllabus of Catalysts and
Adsorbents subject and use the following reference books :
Chemical reactor theory by Kenneth Denbigh , "Chemical
Reaction Engineering, 3rd Edition" by Octave Levenspiel ,
"Chemical Engineering Kinetics" by J.M. Smith, "Chemical
Reactor Analysis and Design" by Gilbert F. Froment and
Kenneth B. Bischoff, Catalysis: Principles and Applications
by B. Viswanathan and M. V. Subba Rao, Introduction to
Chemical Engineering Kinetics and Reactor Design by
Charles G. Hill and Thatcher W. Long, Principles of
Adsorption and Reaction on Solid Surfaces by J. M. Thomas
and W. J. Thomas, Catalysis: A Comprehensive Introduction
by J. R. H. Ross, Adsorption, Ion Exchange, and Catalysis:
Design of Operations and Environmental Applications by D.
D. L. Chung, Chemical Engineering: Principles and Practice
by J. M. Coulson and J. F. Richardson, Heterogeneous
Catalysis: Fundamentals and Applications by Gabor A.
Somorjai and Yimin Li, Physical Chemistry of Surfaces by
Arthur W. Adamson and Alice P. Gast, Solid Catalysts and
Catalysis in Industrial Chemistry by Janusz Nowotny,
Catalytic Engineering by G. B. Marin, M. J. G. Lips, and W. J.
M. P. van Swaaij.
Here's a detailed study material covering all the requested topics for the Catalysts and
Adsorbents subject in your Master of Chemical Engineering syllabus.
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Catalysts and Adsorbents Study
Material
1. Classification of Catalysts
Catalysts are classified based on their phase, composition, and function:
a) Based on Physical State
Homogeneous Catalysts: Exist in the same phase as the reactants (e.g., acid-catalyzed
esterification).
Heterogeneous Catalysts: Exist in a different phase than the reactants (e.g., solid
catalysts in gas or liquid reactions).
b) Based on Nature
Metal Catalysts: Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), and Nickel (Ni) in hydrogenation
reactions.
Metal Oxides: Used in oxidation reactions (e.g., V₂O₅ in SO₂ oxidation).
Zeolites: Microporous aluminosilicates used in petroleum refining.
c) Based on Mechanism
Acid-Base Catalysts: Heterogeneous acid sites (e.g., alumina, silica-alumina).
Enzymatic Catalysts: Biological catalysts facilitating biochemical reactions.
2. Catalyst Preparations
Catalyst synthesis techniques include:
Precipitation & Co-precipitation: Produces high-purity catalysts (e.g., iron catalysts in
ammonia synthesis).
Sol-Gel Method: Forms metal oxides from alkoxide precursors.
Impregnation Method: Used for supported catalysts by depositing active materials onto
carriers.
Hydrothermal Synthesis: Common for zeolite formation under controlled temperature
and pressure.
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3. Types of Catalysts
Supported Catalysts: Active species dispersed on inert carriers (e.g., Pt/Al₂O₃ in
petroleum refining).
Unstructured Catalysts: Bulk catalysts without defined porous support.
Enzymatic Catalysts: Biocatalysts in industrial processes.
4. Meso and Microporous Materials
Microporous Materials (Pores < 2 nm): Zeolites, activated carbon, used in gas
separation and catalysis.
Mesoporous Materials (2-50 nm pores): MCM-41, SBA-15, utilized in adsorption and
catalysis.
5. Nanomaterial Catalysts and Their Significance
Higher Surface Area: Enhanced reactivity and efficiency.
Selectivity Control: Nanoparticles exhibit size-dependent properties.
Examples: TiO₂ in photocatalysis, Au nanoparticles in CO oxidation.
6. Zeolites and Related Molecular Sieves
Zeolites: Crystalline aluminosilicates with ordered microporous structures.
Types: FAU (e.g., Zeolite Y), MFI (e.g., ZSM-5), LTA (e.g., Zeolite A).
Applications: Catalytic cracking, isomerization, and selective adsorption.
7. Supported and Bifunctional Catalysts and Catalyst
Regeneration
Supported Catalysts: Increases dispersion and reduces material cost (e.g., Pt/Al₂O₃ in
catalytic reforming).
Bifunctional Catalysts: Possess both acidic and metallic sites (e.g., Pt/HZSM-5 in
hydrocracking).
Regeneration Techniques:
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Oxidative Regeneration: Burns off coke deposits.
Chemical Treatment: Removes deactivating species.
8. Activity and Lifespan of Catalysts
Activity: Rate at which a catalyst enhances a reaction.
Selectivity: The ability to direct reactions to desired products.
Lifespan: Depends on stability and resistance to deactivation.
9. Active Centers, Promoters, and Poisons
Active Centers: Sites where reaction occurs (e.g., metal atoms in supported catalysts).
Promoters: Enhance catalyst activity (e.g., K in Fe catalysts for ammonia synthesis).
Poisons: Deactivate catalysts by binding irreversibly (e.g., sulfur poisoning in Pt
catalysts).
10. Catalyst Deactivation
Types of deactivation:
Coking: Carbon deposition blocking active sites.
Sintering: Particle growth reducing active surface area.
Poisoning: Adsorption of unwanted species like sulfur.
Thermal Decomposition: Breakdown due to high temperatures.
This study material is based on the reference books you've provided. Let me know if you
need any modifications or additional details! 📚
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