Heterogeneous catalyst engineering ⇒ from stable and deactivation resistant to viable technical catalyst

Problem statement

Advances in heterogeneous catalyst “structure” are driven to improve their “function” or performance, i.e., activity, selectivity, and stability. Cooperative research is required to understand the structure and function relationships: developing new synthesis protocols for heterogeneous catalysts with unique surface properties, defined porosity, identification and understanding of catalytically active sites, reaction mechanisms, and finally, prediction and analysis of the processes using various computational tools.

Our group focuses on developing new catalyst formulations using innovative synthesis routes for various important heterogeneous catalysts. That includes thermal, electro, and bio-electro catalysis.

The active phase cannot be used directly in its final application or reactor for various reasons, including poor mechanical resistance, heat or mass transport, and fluidization features. We must mix the active phase with other ingredients in a matrix of binder and filler, while we shape it into a technical catalyst. We investigate new synthetic protocols for technical catalysis using spray drying and fluidized beds to cover the whole range of sizes. At the same time, we incorporate additional (unconventional) ingredients such as SiC to improve some features even further.

Goals

  • Technical catalyst I ⇒ spray drying and extrusion
  • Technical catalyst II ⇒ spray fluidized bed reactor
  • Technical catalyst III ⇒ electrospinning
  • Zeolite catalysts ⇒ with defined structure/porosity
  • Multi-metal (high entropy) alloy catalysts
  • MXene catalysts ⇒ single and multi-dimensional
  • Perovskite catalysts
  • Metal-organic framework (MOFs) catalysts
  • Supported metal/metal-oxide catalysts
  • Aerogel catalyst

Related People

Related Covers

Related Publications

Methanol Electrosynthesis from CO2 at Cu2O/ZnO Prompted by Pyridine-Based Aqueous Solutions
J. CO2 Util. Year: 2017
Authors: Albo, Beobide, Castaño, Irabien
  • EPB
  • HCE
Phosphorus-Containing Activated Carbon as Acid Support in a Bifunctional Pt-Pd Catalyst for Tire Oil Hydrocracking
Cat. Comm. Year: 2016
Authors: Hita, Cordero-Lanzac, Gallardo, Arandes, Rodriguez-Mirasol, Bilbao, Cordero, Castaño
  • HPC
  • W2C
  • HCE
Petcoke-derived Functionalized Activated Carbon as Support in a Bifunctional Catalyst for Tire Oil Hydroprocessing
Fuel Process. Technol. Year: 2016
Authors: Hita, Palos, Arandes, Hill, Castaño
  • HPC
  • HCE
  • W2C
Simultaneous Coking and Dealumination of Zeolite H-ZSM-5 during the Transformation of Chloromethane into Olefins
Catal. Sci. Technol. Year: 2016
Authors: Ibanez, Gamero, Ruiz-Martinez, Weckhuysen, Aguayo, Bilbao, Castaño
Open Access.
  • O2H
  • HCE
Controlling Coke Deactivation and Cracking Selectivity of MFI Zeolite by H3PO4 or KOH Modification
Appl. Catal. A: Gen. Year: 2015
Authors: Epelde, Santos, Florian, Aguayo, Gayubo, Bilbao, Castaño
Open Access.
  • OLG
  • HCE
Towards the Electrochemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Methanol
Green Chem. Year: 2015
Authors: Albo, Alvarez-Guerra, Castaño, Irabien
Highly Cited Paper according to Essential Science Indicators.
  • EPB
  • HCE
  • CRE
Upgrading Model Compounds and Scrap Tires Pyrolysis Oil (STPO) on Hydrotreating NiMo Catalysts with Tailored Supports
Fuel Year: 2015
Authors: Hita, Gutierrez, Olazar, Bilbao, Arandes, Castaño
  • HPC
  • W2C
  • ANW
  • HCE
Differences among the Deactivation Pathway of HZSM-5 Zeolite and SAPO-34 in the Transformation of Ethylene or 1-Butene to Propylene
Micorp. Mesopor. Mat. Year: 2014
Authors: Epelde, Ibanez, Aguayo, Gayubo, Bilbao, Castaño
  • HCE
  • OLG
Spatial Distribution of Zeolite ZSM-5 within Catalyst Bodies Affects Selectivity and Stability of Methanol-to-Hydrocarbons Conversion
ChemCatChem Year: 2013
Authors: Castaño, Ruiz-Martinez, Epelde, Gayubo, Weckhuysen
  • O2H
  • HCE
Effect of the Acidity of the HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst on the Cracking of High Density Polyethylene
Appl. Catal. A: Gen. Year: 2012
Authors: Elordi, Olazar, Artetxe, Castaño, Bilbao
  • FCC
  • W2C
  • HCE