Heterogeneous Catalysis: A Central Science for a Sustainable Future

Abstract

Developing active, selective, and energy efficient heterogeneous catalytic processes is key to a sustainable future because heterogeneous catalysis is at the center of the chemicals and energy industries. The design, testing, and implementation of robust and selective heterogeneous catalytic processes based on insights from fundamental studies could have a tremendous positive impact on the world.

Direct Correlation between Adsorption Energetics and Nuclear Spin Relaxation in a Liquid‐saturated Catalyst Material

“…The development of liquid‐phase heterogeneous catalysis is vital for the continued utilisation of green chemical processes, such as the production of fuels and chemicals from bio‐resources . The high molecular density present within the liquid‐phase leads to the complete saturation of adsorption sites, where competitive interactions between reagents, products and solvents determine the relative molecular populations within the adsorbed surface layer .…”

Environmental Catalysis: Present and Future

“…This bio‐based feedstock, due to its high abundance, has become one of the most advantageous sources to obtain chemical compounds such as carbohydrates, terpenes, aromatics, and fatty esters ,. Therefore, conversion of biomass residues towards chemicals has represented an interesting alternative for the chemical industry . Nonetheless, the efficient valorization of lignocellulosic biomass is still a challenge from an economic point of view.…”

Identification of Wheland-type intermediates

“…I n the industrial production of bulk chemicals, heterogeneous catalysis plays a central role in the development of new processes and in the improvement of those already operational 1 . The knowledge of reaction mechanisms is key for the rational design of catalysts and their optimization for specific processes 2 .…”