Investigation of Nanostructured Materials as potential Heterogeneous Catalysts for some of Sustainable Processes

Nano-aspect of catalysis is of primary concern since the most important catalyst properties are closely related to the size, shape and position of its smallest particles. Therefore, the future role of catalysis in sustainable development is unthinkable without catalyst development based on nano-technology. Carbon nano-tubes (CNTs) will be produced using chemical vapor deposition method over an appropriate nanocatalyst, which textural characteristics will be correlated to the structural and morphological characteristics of CNTs. After purification an active metal will be preferably deposited inside of CNTs cavities (confinment effect) instead on their surfaces. Activity and selectivity of developed catalysts will be tested in several sustainable processes, as well as in photo-catalytic decomposition of some pollutants present in soil and ground water. Multi-component catalyst systems based on dispersed CaO as active phase will be developed on traditional (Al2O3, SiO2, ZnO, etc.), and supports of new generation (zeolites, mesoporous silica). Support modification will be conducted during and/or after synthesis, with purpose of its mesoporousity increase in order to improve the catalyst diffusion characteristics. The catalysts will be tested in transesterification reaction for biodiesel synthesis. The results will be analyzed from the point of view production economics and its environmental impact, and will give an insight on heterogeneous biodiesel production feasibility.