Mechanistic Understanding and the Rational Design of Sinter-Resistant Heterogeneous Catalysts

Abstract

The activity and selectivity of heterogeneous catalysts are strong functions of the morphology of the catalytic active phase, which governs both the density and type of active sites. To realize materials with the desired reactivity, cutting-edge catalysts are often the product of novel synthetic strategies and advanced computational studies. Combining these approaches allows for the prediction and fabrication of active motifs in a directed manner. However, catalyst active phases are ordinarily in the nanometer or atomic regime, and small morphological changes can result in large differences in catalytic properties. Given painstaking efforts to design and fabricate active materials at the nanoscale, it is essential that these engineered structures and superior catalytic properties are preserved during working conditions. The stability of a highly active catalyst morphology is crucial for long-term, sustained activity, especially for industrial applications. Unfortunately, catalyst sintering, or processes i...