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...

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

Advances in the development of novel cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalysts for synthesis of long-chain hydrocarbons and clean fuels.

Surface science studies of model fuel cell electrocatalysts

Ultrathin metal films and particles on oxide surfaces: structural, electronic and chemisorptive properties

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), established as a relatively new class of crystalline porous materials with high surface area, structural diversity, and tailorability, attract extensive interest and exhibit a variety of applications, especially in catalysis. Their permanent porosity enables their inherent superiority in confining guest species, particularly small metal nanoparticles (MNPs), for improved catalytic performance and/or the expansion of reaction scope. This is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary research field. In this review, we provide an overview of significant progress in the development of MNP/MOF composites, including various preparation strategies and characterization methods as well as catalytic applications. Special emphasis is placed on synergistic effects between the two components that result in an enhanced performance in heterogeneous catalysis. Finally, the prospects of MNP/MOF composites in catalysis and remaining issues in this field have been indicated.

Metal–organic frameworks meet metal nanoparticles: synergistic effect for enhanced catalysis

Ion exchange of Ni 2+ and K + ions in siliceous ZSM-5 with widely varying aluminium contents (20 Si/Al 250) has been studied. Whereas regardless of the aluminium content near-stoichiometric exchange can be achieved with the monovalent K + ions, only limited exchange is observed with the divalent Ni 2+ ions. With decreasing aluminium content the degree of Ni 2+ exchange drops markedly. These results are interpreted using a model which relates the position of the extra framework Ni 2+ ions to a specific configuration of the aluminium ions with regard to each other in the lattice.

ION-Exchange of Ni2+ IONS in Siliceous ZSM-5

Computer-aided characterisation of catalysts

The study of molecule-surface scattering gives important information on the kinetics of adsorption and desorption, on molecule-surface potentials, and in addition on the mechanisms of catalytic reactions. In principle several scattering processes are possible: elastic and inelastic scattering, trapping/desorption, and adsorption. In most of the experiments reported so far the scattering process has been studied by measuring the angular and the velocity distribution of the scattered particles. In order to get a complete description, however, a knowledge of the internal state distribution is also important. As in the case of gas phase scattering the internal state distribution of surface-scattered molecules can be successfully measured by laser-induced fluorescence. This technique has been applied to measure the rotational distribution of surface-scattered NO molecules [1,2]. Here we report on one of these experiments [1], where in addition the angular distribution of the scattered molecules was obtained.

Investigation of Molecule-Surface Interaction by Laser-Induced Fluorescence

The invention relates to a process for removing carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide containing gas (1) stream comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the carbon dioxide containing gas stream with fluidized solid adsorbent in a riser adsorption zone (2) to obtain a carbon dioxide-depleted gas stream and fluidized carbon dioxide-enriched solid adsorbent; (b) separating (4) at least part (5) of the carbon dioxide-depleted gas stream from the fluidized carbon dioxide-enriched solid adsorbent (6); (c) passing at least part of the fluidized carbon dioxide-enriched solid adsorbent (6) as obtained in step (b) to a riser regeneration zone (7) to obtain a carbon dioxide-enriched gas stream and a fluidized carbon dioxide-depleted solid adsorbent; (d) separating (10) at least part (11) of the carbon dioxide-enriched gas stream as obtained in step (c) from the fluidized carbon dioxide-depleted solid adsorbent (12) as obtained in step (c); and (e) recycling at least part (12) of the fluidized carbon dioxide-depleted solid adsorbent as obtained in step (d) to step (a).

H.P.C.E. Kuipers

Papers

ION-Exchange of Ni2+ IONS in Siliceous ZSM-5

Computer-aided characterisation of catalysts

Investigation of Molecule-Surface Interaction by Laser-Induced Fluorescence

Process for removing carbon dioxide from a gas stream

CACSS: Computer-Aided Characterization of Solids and Surfaces