Heterogeneous Catalysis Fromthe Perspective of Surface Science

Abstract

This chapter discusses the historical development of surface chemistry. During the period 1860 – 1912, the surface chemistry of catalysis made progress as a result of many experimental observations of scientists, such as in oxidation of hydrogen chloride, SO2oxidation to SO3, the reaction of methane with steam to form CO and H2, the oxidation of ammonia, ethylene hydrogenation, and the synthesis of ammonia. Catalytic technology has to be complemented by advancements in the chemical industry. The development of catalytic technology is closely related not only to the technological advances in the chemical industry, but also to significant political concerns. Most of the particulate materials used as heterogeneous catalysts present some limitations such as low stability, formation of agglomerates, and little selectivity, these conditions are likely to be due to weak surface conditions rather than bulk deficiencies themselves; surface optimization can improve the performance in materials that already have the necessary bulk properties. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Boschstr. 12, 69469 Weinheim, Germany. All rights reserved.