Chapter 9 Role of Bimetallic Catalysts in Catalytic Hydrogenation and Hydrogenolysis

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of bimetallic catalysts in catalytic hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis. The factors that control the behavior of bimetallic catalysts in some hydrocarbon transformations are discussed. The chapter shows that the geometric effects are the most important factors in hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis. Some examples of supported bimetallic catalysts involving Pd, Pt, and Ru with other transition and Group 1B metals are provided. Hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis on supported bimetallic catalysts are controlled by the ensemble size effect. In most cases, this effect does not operate in isolation but is accompanied by other effects, among which the hydrogen supply and matrix effects are the most important ones. Other effects are marginal or strongly overlap with the ensemble size effect. On alloying, a Group 8 metal with one in Group IB, Au and Ag are usually inactive diluents but Cu must be treated as an active component that changes the hydrogen supply and eliminates side reactions leading to self-poisoning.