Chapter 4 - Catalyst Synthesis and Characterization

Abstract

This chapter introduces synthesis and characterization of bulk catalysts. It starts with a brief overview which covers types of bulk catalysts and their applications. Important methods used in their preparation are covered. These include precipitation, sol-gel, hydrothermal synthesis, pyrogenic technique, shape selective catalysts by pore mouth tailoring, and fusion. The section on catalyst carriers covers aluminas and silicas. Key methods used in forming or shaping of bulk industrial catalysts are described. These include spray drying, spheroidizing, oil drop, extrusion, and tableting. The chapter also covers important methods used for physicochemical characterization of catalysts which are important for developing new catalysts and fingerprinting catalysts produced on the commercial scale.