The performance of supported palladium catalysts that had been modified with triphenyl phosphine, diphenyl sulfide and triphenyl amine was compared to unmodified Pd/TiO2 catalysts. It was found that the selectivity was superior to the unmodified catalysts with or without the use of carbon monoxide as a modifier. Ethylene selectivities in excess of 70 % at conversion levels greater than 80% were observed on the modified catalysts under conditions of excess hydrogen which compares extremely well with other catalysts found in the literature. The modifier was found to significantly reduce the number of high energy sites on the surface on the palladium, thereby significantly hindering ethylene hydrogenation but not affecting acetylene hydrogenation. The simple preparation of these catalysts together with the simplicity added by not having to use carbon monoxide or limited hydrogen promises a viable alternative strategy for commercial catalysis.

Exciting results are still emerging from the many research groups working in this fertile area and the book is an excellent stimulus to researchers at the start of the 21st century."--BOOK JACKET.

This thesis offers novel methods for catalyst and process design for the selective hydrogenation of acetylene and 1,3-butadiene. The author predicts the properties of supported Pd–Ni bimetallic catalysts using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). The excellent correlation between model surfaces and supported catalysts demonstrates the feasibility of designing effective bimetallic catalysts for selective hydrogenation reactions. The author also proposes a method for designing non-precious metal catalysts to replace precious metals. She modifies the process of selective hydrogenation of acetylene by coupling the selective adsorption to the selective hydrogenation in the liquid phase, as a result of which the ethylene selectivity is greatly improved and heat transfer is greatly enhanced. Lastly, by analyzing the mechanism of liquid-phase hydrogenation, the author proposes a multi-stage slurry bed reactor for industrial applications.“/p>

With contributions from experts in supported metal catalysis, from both the industry and academia, this book presents the latest developments in characterization and application of supported metals in heterogeneous catalysis. In addition to a thorough and updated coverage of the traditional aspects of heterogeneous catalysis such as preparation, characterization and use in well-established technologies such as Naphtha reforming, the book also includes emerging areas where supported metal catalysis will make significant contributions in future developments, such as fuel cells and fine chemicals synthesis. The second edition of Supported Metals in Catalysis comes complete with new and updated chapters containing important summaries of research in a rapidly evolving field. Very few other books deal with this highly pertinent subject matter, and as such, it is a must-have for anyone working in the field of heterogeneous catalysis.