Rational Catalyst Synthesis for Sustainable Energy Applications

Energy accounts for two-thirds of the global climate challenges. Effective utilization of green hydrogen or finding cleaner ways to improve energy generation is necessary to combat climate crisis and allow for a more sustainable future. This work evaluates three heterogeneous catalytic processes which contribute to a sustainable future. In chapter 2, we studied the hydrogenation of toluene to methylcyclohexane; a reaction that can potentially serve as a medium for hydrogen storage and help to overcome the safety challenges of transporting gaseous hydrogen. We found that palladium catalysts on certain carbons exhibited significantly enhanced toluene hydrogenation rates compared to activated carbons and silica supports. Comprehensive characterization suggested that the enhancement in activity arises when a critical degree of crystallinity (graphitization) at the support surface enhances toluene adsorption and opens parallel reaction pathways. In chapter 3, designing better catalysts and support materials for fuel cell devices, which includes better engineering of Co transition metal into Pt in the form of highly ordered L10 PtCo structure, and designing porous features into the ZIF-8 based support serves as a promising approach to improve electrocatalytic performance and durability, and reduce catalyst cost. In chapter 4, designing better catalysts aids isotope exchange of protium for deuterium in vacuum pump oils used in nuclear energy generation. A carbon supported Pt material was found to be a promising catalyst both for conventional and microwave heated isotope exchange of LV0500 and Santovac 9 vacuum pump oils.