Bo Hu

Bio: Bo Hu is an academic researcher from Illinois Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catalysis & Dehydrogenation. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 18 publications receiving 738 citations. Previous affiliations of Bo Hu include Georgia Institute of Technology & University of Chicago.

Propylene hydrogenation and propane dehydrogenation by a single-site Zn2+ on silica catalyst

Abstract: This study reports the highly selective (more than 95%) dehydrogenation of propane to propylene as well as the reverse hydrogenation reaction by silica-supported single-site Zn(II) catalyst. The ca...

Isolated FeII on Silica As a Selective Propane Dehydrogenation Catalyst

Abstract: We report a comparative study of isolated FeII, iron oxide particles, and metallic nanoparticles on silica for non-oxidative propane dehydrogenation. It was found that the most selective catalyst was an isolated FeII species on silica prepared by grafting the open cyclopentadienide iron complex, bis(2,4-dimethyl-1,3-pentadienide) iron(II) or Fe(oCp)2. The grafting and evolution of the surface species was elucidated by 1H NMR, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopies. The oxidation state and local structure of surface Fe were characterized by X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure. The initial grafting of iron proceeds by one surface hydroxyl Si–OH reacting with Fe(oCp)2 to release one diene ligand (oCpH), generating a SiO2-bound FeII(oCp) species, 1-FeoCp. Subsequent treatment with H2 at 400 °C leads to loss of the remaining diene ligand and formation of nanosized iron oxide clusters, 1-C. Dispersion ...

Propane Dehydrogenation over Alumina-Supported Iron/Phosphorus Catalysts: Structural Evolution of Iron Species Leading to High Activity and Propylene Selectivity

Abstract: A series of alumina-supported Fe-based catalysts is prepared via a dry impregnation method in the presence of a phosphorus source (phosphate salt) and then used for the catalytic dehydrogenation of propane. Specifically, supported catalysts with Fe:P molar ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 are prepared and their chemical composition, textural properties, and redox properties are characterized with an array of techniques. In the nonoxidative dehydrogenation (PDH) of propane at 600 °C and atmospheric pressure, the most active catalyst (Fe:P ratio of 3:1) exhibits 15% propane conversion and >80% C3H6 selectivity. The calculated activity is 9.9 mmol/(h gFe) (mass basis) or 13 μmol/(h m2) (surface area basis), with a corresponding TOF of 19 h–1. During the initial stages of reaction under PDH conditions, the precatalyst is reduced and Fe(0) species are generated, eventually giving way to iron carbide species. During this induction period, significant carbon is incorporated into the catalyst and propylene selectivity...

Metal Catalysts for Heterogeneous Catalysis: From Single Atoms to Nanoclusters and Nanoparticles.

Abstract: Metal species with different size (single atoms, nanoclusters, and nanoparticles) show different catalytic behavior for various heterogeneous catalytic reactions. It has been shown in the literature that many factors including the particle size, shape, chemical composition, metal–support interaction, and metal–reactant/solvent interaction can have significant influences on the catalytic properties of metal catalysts. The recent developments of well-controlled synthesis methodologies and advanced characterization tools allow one to correlate the relationships at the molecular level. In this Review, the electronic and geometric structures of single atoms, nanoclusters, and nanoparticles will be discussed. Furthermore, we will summarize the catalytic applications of single atoms, nanoclusters, and nanoparticles for different types of reactions, including CO oxidation, selective oxidation, selective hydrogenation, organic reactions, electrocatalytic, and photocatalytic reactions. We will compare the results o...

Catalytic dehydrogenation of light alkanes on metals and metal oxides.

Abstract: A study is conducted to demonstrate catalytic dehydrogenation of light alkanes on metals and metal oxides. The study provides a complete overview of the materials used to catalyze this reaction, as dehydrogenation for the production of light olefins has become extremely relevant. Relevant factors, such as the specific nature of the active sites, as well as the effect of support, promoters, and reaction feed on catalyst performance and lifetime, are discussed for each catalytic Material. The study compares different catalysts in terms of the reaction mechanism and deactivation pathways and catalytic performance. The duration of the dehydrogenation step depends on the heat content of the catalyst bed, which decreases rapidly due to the endothermic nature of the reaction. Part of the heat required for the reaction is introduced to the reactors by preheating the reaction feed, additional heat being provided by adjacent reactors that are regenerating the coked catalysts.

Metal–organic and covalent organic frameworks as single-site catalysts

Abstract: Heterogeneous single-site catalysts consist of isolated, well-defined, active sites that are spatially separated in a given solid and, ideally, structurally identical. In this review, the potential of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as platforms for the development of heterogeneous single-site catalysts is reviewed thoroughly. In the first part of this article, synthetic strategies and progress in the implementation of such sites in these two classes of materials are discussed. Because these solids are excellent playgrounds to allow a better understanding of catalytic functions, we highlight the most important recent advances in the modelling and spectroscopic characterization of single-site catalysts based on these materials. Finally, we discuss the potential of MOFs as materials in which several single-site catalytic functions can be combined within one framework along with their potential as powerful enzyme-mimicking materials. The review is wrapped up with our personal vision on future research directions.

Selective Hydrogenation over Supported Metal Catalysts: From Nanoparticles to Single Atoms

Abstract: Selective catalytic hydrogenation has wide applications in both petrochemical and fine chemical industries, however, it remains challenging when two or multiple functional groups coexist in the substrate. To tackle this challenge, the "active site isolation" strategy has been proved effective, and various approaches to the site isolation have been developed. In this review, we have summarized these approaches, including adsorption/grafting of N/S-containing organic molecules on the metal surface, partial covering of active metal surface by metal oxides either via doping or through strong metal-support interaction, confinement of active metal nanoparticles in micro- or mesopores of the supports, formation of bimetallic alloys or intermetallics or core@shell structures with a relatively inert metal (IB and IIB) or nonmetal element (B, C, S, etc.), and construction of single-atom catalysts on reducible oxides or inert metals. Both advantages and disadvantages of each approach toward the site isolation have been discussed for three types of chemoselective hydrogenation reactions, including alkynes/dienes to monoenes, α,β-unsaturated aldehydes/ketones to the unsaturated alcohols, and substituted nitroarenes to the corresponding anilines. The key factors affecting the catalytic activity/selectivity, in particular, the geometric and electronic structure of the active sites, are discussed with the aim to extract fundamental principles for the development of efficient and selective catalysts in hydrogenation as well as other transformations.