Metal-Organic-Framework mediated supported-cobalt catalysts in multiphase hydrogenation reactions

Abstract

The production of most industrially important chemicals involves catalysis. Depending on the difference in phases between the catalysts and reactants, one distinguishes homogenous catalysis and heterogeneous catalysis, with the latter being more attractive in real applications, due to the easy separation of products from catalysts and reusing the latter. In spite of the research and development of heterogeneous catalysts for decades, the exploration for catalysts system with outstanding activity, stability and selectivity remains a challenging task. In general, most of the chemical reactions occur on the surface atoms of supported metal (oxide) nanoparticles. Therefore, to address this challenge, current studies generally focus on understanding the relation between the catalytic performance and catalyst properties by controlling the particle size and distribution, and even
the shape of supported nanoparticles, and the interaction between nanoparticles and support. In order to further contribute to this objective, in this thesis we applied metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) as a sacrificial precursor to produce catalysts for catalytic hydrogenation reactions, important routes for the production of a variety of fine and bulk chemicals in industry.