Heterogeneous Catalysis A Spatial and Temporal Exploration

Adopting a unique approach, this textbook takes readers on a journey from catalyst development to production and application, with regard to space (from reactor to molecular level) and time (historical context). The result is a novel introduction to the concepts and practice of heterogeneous catalysis.
The distinguished author describes the underlying principles of catalysis as well as the most important heterogeneous-catalyzed processes, linking theory and practice by providing first-hand information from chemical companies. The reactions covered are subdivided into three parts, namely cutting molecules into smaller entities, modifying molecules to create new ones, and pasting molecules into larger ones. A chapter on the effect of changing feedstocks and new catalysts for sustainable energy storage completes the book.
Beautiful color photographs and textboxes give important background information, while a problem and solution section helps students to expand their knowledge. Finally, specially designed educational videos are accessible on the Wiley website and embedded in the enhanced e-book.
A descriptive textbook for master and PhD students in chemistry, as well as researchers in academia and industry working in the field of catalysis and chemical engineering.

Preface

Introductory Chapter
Making Transportation Fuels: Cracking of Crude Oil Fractions
Making Margarine, Chocolate Confectionary and Cooking Oil: Hydrogenation of Edible Fats and Oils
Making Plastic Bags and Containers: Polymerization of Alkenes
Cleaning Car Exhaust Gases: Automotive Catalysis
Producing Lego Bricks: Aiming for Sustainability via a Chain of Catalytic Reactions
Concluding Chapter -
Towards a Sustainable Future

Bert Weckhuysen is Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis at Utrecht University, The Netherlands, since 2001. He.received his master degree in chemical and agricultural engineering from Leuven University (Belgium) in 1991. After obtaining his PhD under the supervision of Prof. Schoonheydt at the same university in 1995, he worked as a postdoc with Prof. Wachs at Lehigh University (USA) and with Prof. Lunsford at Texas A&M University (USA) before joining Utrecht University in October 2001. He has been appointed as the first Distinguished Professor of the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University in 2012. Weckhuysen authored or co-authored around 340 publications, 21 book chapters and 8 patents/patent applications. He is the (co-) editor of three books. He serves on the editorial board of several journals (e.g. ChemCatChem) and received numerous research awards, including the 2011 Paul H. Emmett Award in Fundamental Catalysis of the North American Catalysis Society (NACS), the International Catalysis Award 2012 of the International Association of Catalysis Societies (IACS), the 2013 Vladimir N. Ipatieff Lectureship in Catalysis of the Northwestern University, the 2013 Royal Society of Chemistry Bourke Award and the 2013 Spinoza Award from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research. Weckhuysen is scientific director of the Dutch Research School for Catalysis (NIOK) (since 2003) and of the research program CATCHBIO on Biomass Catalysis funded by the Dutch government and chemical industries (since 2007). His research interests are focused on the development and use of in-situ spectroscopic methods applied on heterogeneous catalysis, catalytic conversion of biomass to fuels and bulk chemicals, and molecular design of transition metal ion complexes in inorganic hosts for catalyst and sensor applications.