(455a) Nanostructured Size-Selective Catalysts Prepared By Molecular Layer Deposition | AIChE

(455a) Nanostructured Size-Selective Catalysts Prepared By Molecular Layer Deposition

Authors 

Liang, X. - Presenter, Missouri University of Science & Technology
Shang, Z., Missouri University of Science and Technology
Patel, R., Missouri University of Science and Technology

Heterogeneous catalysts are widely used. However, heterogeneous catalysts cannot selectively convert specific molecules in the reactant mixture to catalyze only desired reactions. Size-selective catalysts with a metal core and porous oxide shell have a promising structure that can increase the reaction selectivity through reactant molecular discrimination. This paper describes a general method to create porous metal oxide films with well-defined porous structures and precisely controlled thickness down to several angstroms from dense organic/inorganic hybrid metal alkoxide films grown by molecular layer deposition (MLD). A novel nanostructured catalyst with an ultra-thin porous shell obtained from the thermal decomposition of an aluminum alkoxide film deposited by MLD for size-selective reactions was developed. The molecular sieving capability of the porous metal oxide films was verified by examining the liquid-phase hydrogenation of n-hexene versus cis-cyclooctene. The success of making these materials by MLD opens up a new method for preparing size-selective catalysts.