Abstract
Processes in the chemical industry convert readily available startingmaterials tomore
valuable product molecules. Catalytic materials are used in these processes to accelerate
chemical transformations so that reactions proceed in a highly efficient manner,
achieving high yields of desirable products and avoiding unwanted by-products.
Compared to classical stoichiometric procedures, catalysts often allowmore economical
and environment-friendly production.
Development of heterogeneous catalysts for liquid the phase processes requires
detailed knowledge about phenomena that occur on the catalyst surface during the
catalytic reaction in liquid phase. Transient response techniques with detectors that
can perform continuous, rapid, multi-component and simultaneous detection are
ideal for such studies. However, there are hardly any transient techniques available
that allow experimental investigation of the adsorption of reactants, intermediates
and probe-molecules from liquid phase on the surface of catalysts. The existing liquid
phase detectors are not able to detect more than one specie simultaneously and
rapidly, making the more detailed study of the catalytic reaction mechanisms impossible.
The work described in this thesis focuses on development and application of a
transient response technique for studies of adsorption and catalytic reactions over
heterogeneous catalysts in liquid phase with Electro-Spray Ionization (ESI-MS) and
Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry (MIMS) as detectors. Two test reactions, i.e. reduction
of nitrite over Pt/SiO2 and oxidation of glucose over Pt/CNF/Ni catalysts, were
used to demonstrate that it is possible to monitor reactants, intermediates and products
during reaction in (semi)quantitative manner. Nitrite hydrogenation is a relevant
reaction for both nitrate to nitrogen de-nitrification of drinkingwater, aswell as nitrate
hydrogenation to hydroxyl-amine, an intermediate in the production of caprolactam.
Oxidative conversion of glucose is important in view of the anticipated shift towards
renewable feedstocks for the chemical industry. Glucose can be upgraded to more
valuable compounds e.g. gluconic acid, a building block for production of chelating
agents.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Awarding Institution |
|
Supervisors/Advisors |
|
Award date | 23 May 2008 |
Place of Publication | Enschede |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 978-90-365-2667-8 |
Publication status | Published - 23 May 2008 |
Keywords
- IR-59040