Structure plays an important role in heterogeneous catalysis. It provides a framework for the arrangement and stragetic placement of key catalytic elements, hosting them in a prescribed manner so that their respective electronic properties can exhibit their desired catalytic functions and mutual interactions. Under reaction conditions these framework structures and their catalytic guests undergo dynamic processes becoming active participants of the overall catalytic process. They are not mere static geometric forms. The dynamics of catalytic structures are particularly vivid in selective oxidation catalysis where the lattice of a given catalytic solid partakes as a whole, not only its surface, in the redox processes of the reaction. The catalyst becomes actually a participating reagent. By proper choice of key catalytic elements and their host structures, preferred catalytic pathways can be selected over less desired ones. However, not only in selective redox catalysis does structure play an important role, its importance is also well documented, among others, in shape selective zeolite catalysis, enantioselective hydrogenation and hydrodesulfurization. The contributions presented in this book address the dynamic character of the solid state under catalytic reaction conditions. By relating structure to activity and selectivity in heterogeneous catalysis our understanding of such correlations has been significantly enhanced through the use of sophisticated spectroscopic means, surface science and modeling.

This book is based on a graduate course and suitable as a primer for any newcomer to the field, this book is a detailed introduction to the experimental and computational methods that are used to study how solid surfaces act as catalysts. Features include: First comprehensive description of modern theory of heterogeneous catalysis Basis for understanding and designing experiments in the field Allows reader to understand catalyst design principles Introduction to important elements of energy transformation technology Test driven at Stanford University over several semesters

The chemistry of metal oxides, both single and mixed metal oxides, relevant to heterogeneous catalysis such as relationships among the composition, structure, and chemical properties of mixed oxides, is provided in perspective. The important chemical properties in heterogeneous catalysis are acid–base and reduction–oxidation (redox) properties, where ionic radii, electronegativity, valency, and tendency to form covalent bond of constituent elements are most influential. Structural factors such as lattice defects and nonstoichiometry are also relevant. Although the surface of metal oxides is different from the solid bulk and changes depending on various factors, the surface reflects more or less the solid bulk and the knowledge of bulk properties is useful to understand the catalysis of mixed oxides. In some cases, the solid bulk actually takes part in catalysis. Other fundamental features of metal oxide catalysis like synergistic effects of more than two different active sites (acid and base, acid and oxidation, etc.) are also discussed.

Edited by the leading expert on the topic, this is the first book to present the latest developments in this exciting field. Alongside the theoretical aspects, the top contributors provide practical protocols to give readers additional important information otherwise unavailable. A must for every synthetic chemist in academia and industry.