Applications of Catalysis

90% of all chemical processes make use of catalysts in one way or another.

Some of the uses of catalysis are:
inorganic chemicals (NH
3
, H
2
SO
4
, etc)
organic chemical (hydrogenation, polymerization, oxidation, reduction,
etc)
petroleum technology (cracking, reforming, isomerization, etc.)
production of synthetic fuels (coal liquefaction, coal gasification, etc)
pollution control (automotive, industrial)
energy conversion (fuel cells)





The field of catalysis is multidimensional and multidisciplinary
requires an integrated approach based on different established practices of
engineering and science.

Catalysis first used by Berzelius in 1800s. He observed that several
reactions were aided by the presence of certain foreign substances
Catalytic Force involved.

Several discoveries and patents were made involving catalysis in the 1800s &
early 1900s.

The progress was limited in scientific understanding and the discoveries were
made by chance Black box technology.
A slide on Homogeneous Catalysis

A slide on Heterogeneous Catalysis




Early 1900s -theories and postulates were put forward

Catalysts increase the rate of those processes that are
thermodynamically favorable

For A B
any increase the catalyst brings about in rate constant of forward reaction
is accompanied by a corresponding increase in the rate constant of the
backward reaction equilibrium reached faster

For given reactants the appropriate choice of catalyst aids in selecting
the desired path

Theories of catalytic reactions are pointless since the method of
operation are varied
f
b
k
k

Despite this
Sabatier chemical intermediates
Langmuir how reactions occur on surfaces
Development of relationship between various rates &pressures
LangmuirHinshelhood EleyRideal
Taylor active sites/centers
Theories:
Balandin- interpretation of catalytic activity in terms of geometric arrangement
of atoms
Beck- relationship between lattice spacing and activity
Schwab- electronic concentration in metal alloys was related to catalytic
activity

Ammonia synthesis a very

important process
Ammonia is used to make fertilizers and other
chemicals

Produced from N
2
and H
2

N
2
+ 3H
2
2NH
3
(-DH = 109 kJ/mol @ 773 K)
High temperature and high pressure
Catalyst required

Catalyst must be cheap and stable since
ammonia is a low priced chemical

Catalyst is primarily based on iron
Variation of Surface Area with
Particle Size

Solid catalysts play a key role in
the chemical industry
Desired properties of catalysts
High and stable activity
Consistently high selectivity
Controlled surface area and porosity
Good resistance to poisons
Good resistance to high temperatures
and temperature fluctuations
High mechanical strength
A slide showing different catalyst shapes
Other important factors to
consider
Whether the catalyst should be supported

What should be the shape of the catalyst

What should be the void fraction

Whether diffusional control is necessary

How to achieve appropriate mechanical
strength