Preface Free

Chapter 1: Preparation and catalytic applications of amorphous alloys

In this chapter, preparation and catalytic applications of amorphous alloys is reviewed by Hui Li, Wei Wei, Yu Zhao, and Hexing Li from Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China. Amorphous alloys are one of the most important catalytic materials and considered as a new generation of metallic catalysts. Mastery over the composition and/or morphology of amorphous alloy enables control of its properties and enhancement of its applications as catalyst. The aim of this chapter is to present the recent developments in the design- and fabrication of amorphous alloys through a chemical reduction method with an emphasis on composition- and morphology control. The examples discussed in this review highlight the need to design and synthesis of amorphous alloy with controllable composition or morphology in order to promote catalytic performances. Perhaps more importantly, they also are of value for researchers in the area of heterogeneous catalysis to develop highly-efficient metallic catalysts.

Chapter 2: In situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) – a unique tool for analysing structure and reaction behaviour of paramagnetic sites in model and real catalysts

In the next review, In situ electron paramagnetic resonance is reviewed by Thomas Risse, Dirk Hollmann and Angelika Brückner from University of Rostock, Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. The majority of catalytic reactions involves reduction and/or reoxidation steps in which electrons are transferred between catalysts and substrates. EPR spectroscopy can sensitively probe the local environment of paramagnetic catalytic sites as well as their behavior in catalytic redox processes since it can be applied under a wide range of conditions. After a short summary of the most important application examples of in situ EPR in redox catalysis, the main features of EPR spectra such g and A matrices and approaches of their evaluation are presented using model systems that contain Au atoms deposited on MgO single crystal surfaces. To illustrate the versatility of in situ EPR for deriving structure–reactivity relationships in catalysis, two application examples are presented in more detail: (1) Analysis of heterogeneous supported VO_x/TiO₂ catalysts during oxidative dehydrogenation of propane in the gas phase and (2) Study of photocatalytic water splitting over a homogeneous catalytic system comprising an iridium photosensitizer complex and an iron carbonyl catalyst.

Chapter 3: Present and future prospects in heterogeneous catalysts for C₁ chemistry

Eunmin Lee, Zhuo Cheng, and Cynthia S. Lo (Washington University, St. Louis, USA) examine the recent research and development in catalysis of C₁ reactants, including significant reactions involving CO₂ and CH₄. The conversion of these thermodynamically stable reactants into higher volume and higher value products is a key challenge. There is particular interest in converting these C₁ reactants into higher carbon-number products, such as higher oxygenates and liquid fuels. Studies to examine various bond-breaking and bond-forming reactions are in the heart of catalytic research. Examples of recent advances include synthesis and catalytic understanding of reactions on metal nanoparticles, redox-active metal oxide supports, zeolite catalysts, and the use of ionic liquids. These are the result of characterization tools that we anticipate will drive C₁ development over the next decade.

Chapter 4: Catalytic oxidation of organic pollutants in aqueous solution using sulfate radicals

An area of increasing importance in catalysis is its application to water purification. In this review, Hongqi Sun and Shaobin Wang of Curtin University, Australia, review recent progress in advanced oxidation processes as applied to organic contaminants in aqueous media. The focus is on the interaction of catalyst with persulfate and peroxymonosulfate ions. However, purely photolytic processes, and those which are light-assisted, are considered as well. Keys to more effective utilization of the sulfates are explored.

Chapter 5: Catalytic conversion of biomass-derived synthesis gas to fuels

This topic is timely, but its breadth requires a substantial joint effort, here from groups at both the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Sweden and Universidad Mayor de San Andrés in Bolivia. The effort is led by Rodrigo Suárez París of KTH. The authors first introduce the subject by exploring the nature (compositions, physical properties) of typical biomassgasifier effluents, then consider in turn the Fischer-Tropsch, substitute natural gas, ethanol/mixed alcohols, and methanol/dimethyl ether upgrading processes. They also explore further catalytic upgrades to certain Fischer-Tropsch products. In each case, they cover not only the descriptive catalysis, but also consider mechanism, thermodynaics, and process details.

Chapter 6: Theoretical studies of selective propane oxidation and ammoxidation over vanadium-based multi-metal oxides

One of the most studied catalytic processes is here re-examined by Vadim Guliants of the University of Cincinnati. But in the present review the focus is on recent insights provided by theoretical studies, in particular density functional theory simulations of the surface of the important Mo–V–Te–Nb–O M1 phase catalyst. These studies have led to new mechanistic insights into the initial propane activation steps. Recent studies are now beginning to shed light on the entire multielectron reaction pathway for propane ammoxidation on multicomponent bulk metal oxides, using a combination of CI-NEB and dimer methods. For the M1 surface, it was found that V⁵⁺O is the preferred surface site for all three H abstraction steps, and that H abstraction from propane is the rate-determining step for propane ammoxidation.