CBE Seminar: “Insights into Active Site Structures for Bimetallic Heterogeneous Catalysts”

Abstract

I will describe three examples investigating the use of bimetallic catalysts for reaction systems of industrial relevance and explore the origins of their improved performance. Investigation of Pd-based bimetallic catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of acetylene and for hydrodechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane will be explored. Additionally, Pt-based bimetallic catalysts for the hydrogenation of a model α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, citral, will be described. These reaction systems serve as examples of (i) improving existing reaction processes, (ii) producing valuable products from waste streams, and (iii) developing more environmentally friendly routes to producing existing products, demonstrating the variety of ways in which improved catalysts can impact the chemical industry. The insights into active site structures for bimetallic catalysts developed in this work are an example of how structure-performance relationships can enable the development of improved catalytic materials. As a result, such catalysts can be used in industrial processes to reduce use of toxic and costly chemicals and solvents as well as decrease energy requirements, moving forward towards a more sustainable future.