Synthesis of Novel Catalytic Materials: Titania Nanotubes and Transition Metal Carbides, Nitrides, and Sulfides

Abstract

The synthesis and catalytic application of novel catalytic materials such as inorganic nanotubes and transition metal carbides and nitrides have been discussed in this chapter. The overall forecast for new catalytic materials, their methods of synthesis to design innovative materials, as well as the comparison with physical or chemical traditional methods have been emphasized. Specifically, the general aspects concerning the titanate nanotubes, including their routes of preparation and their characterizations for the production of valuable chemical intermediates, are discussed. The catalytic application of these solids as catalysts or supported catalysts for polymerization, photocatalytic activity, anodization, Knoevenagel reaction, oxidation and reduction of methyl orange, Cannizzaro reaction, CO oxidation, hydroformylation of vinyl acetate, and phenol oxidation reactions has been discussed. In addition to these advances, the catalytic profile of transition metal carbides and nitrides as novel catalysts for hydrotreatment reactions is described, making emphasis in bulk and supported material characteristics. Finally, this chapter reviews some studies with model molecules and real feedstocks, mechanism of hydrogen activation and transfer, and relationships between their resistance to severe deactivation and high activity with their resemblance with noble metals.