Catalyst Design, Synthesis, and Mechanism

Catalyst design, synthesis, and mechanism are key to developing efficient and sustainable catalytic processes. The design begins with selecting materials that facilitate specific reactions, moving beyond traditional metals to include polymers, nanoparticles, and biomolecules for better activity, selectivity, and environmental impact. The goal is to create catalysts that are stable, durable, and reusable, crucial for industrial applications. Catalyst synthesis requires careful control of conditions to achieve desired structural characteristics, such as particle size and surface area, especially for heterogeneous catalysts. Mechanistic studies, using techniques like spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, help identify key catalytic steps and reactive intermediates, optimizing catalyst performance. This knowledge drives the development of next-generation catalysts for applications in energy storage, carbon capture, and sustainable manufacturing.