Page 107 - Principles of Catalyst Development
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CATALYST PREPARATION
How They Are Made
6.1. INTRODUCTION
Although some degree of catalytic activity is found in any given material,
successful preparations proceed through a series of mysterious steps justify-
ing the judgment "black art." Indeed, it was this very fact that prompted
the following quotation from Ranei I54 ):
It is in the preparation of catalysts that the chemist is most likely to revert to
type and to employ alchemical methods. The work should be approached with
humility and supplication and the production of a good catalyst received with
rejoicing and thanksgiving.
In this chapter, we find that catalyst preparational methods are not
always magical but that some of the elements mentioned by Raney are
indeed necessary for success. Catalysts are considered in the order listed
in Table 6.1.
6.2. SINGLE ACTIVE COMPONENTS AND SUPPORTS
Single oxide active components and supports are usually prepared with
high surface area and porosity. Similar techniques apply in the production
of both, but the major use of these materials is for supports. (53) Procedures
used are those found in the preparation of colloidal hydrous oxides, with
variations inherent to each type.(155) The preparational steps are given in
Fig. 6.1.
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