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Introduction to
SOLID CATALYSTS
Objectives:
a)Define solid catalyst and properties.

b)How a catalytic reaction happens.

c)Define common catalytic reactors.

d)Define causes for catalyst de-activation.

e)Basics of kinetics of catalytic reactions…. (if we have time!)

CATALYST: Substance that affects the rate of reaction, without being consumed.
Catalyst does not change reaction equilibrium

HOW? Catalyst provides a new mechanism for reaction at the molecular level.

Ehom

Ehet
Potential energy

Reactants

H

Products

Reaction coordinate
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WHY DO WE USE CATALYSTS?

ACTIVITY: increase (-rA)

SELECTIVITY: help in formation of desired product

Example: A+B→D
A+B→U

Remember Chapter 6, F4: -Change concentration level

-Change temperature level
NOW we can add:
-Use catalyst

EASE OF SEPARATION: in case of solid catalysts!

GENERAL PROPERTIES OF SOLID CATALYSTS

LARGE SURFACE AREA:

-Solid catalyst is typically porous.

-Many pores → high surface area per gram of

catalyst → high (-rA)

-Typical area = 300 m2/g !!

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Common SHAPES & SIZES

20–100 μm diameter spheres for fluidized-bed reactors.

0.3–0.7 cm diameter spheres for packed-bed reactors.

0.3–1.3 cm diameter cylinders with L/D ratio of 3–4.

Up to 2.5 cm diameter hollow cylinders or rings.

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CATALYST CLASSIFICATION
Active Material Examples Functions

Metals Fe, Ni, Pd, Pt, Ag, Cu Hydrogenation,

De-hydrogenation,
(Oxidation)

Semi-conducting NiO, ZnO, MnO2, Cr2O3, Oxidation,

Oxides and Bi2O3-MoO3, WS2 De-hydrogenation,
Sulfides De-sulphurization

Acidic solids Zeolites, SiO2-Al2O3, Isomerization,

Cracking,
Alkylation,
Polymerization
De-hydration

COMPOSITION OF CATALYST

Supported Un-supported

Active material(s) Active material

+ +
Support Promoters
+
Promoters

Examples: Examples:

Pt/Al2O3 Fe

V2O5/SiO2 Pt gauze
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ADSORPTION

In a solid-catalyzed reaction, reactants must be attached to surface of the catalyst before

reaction can proceed.

This attachment is called Adsorption.

When reaction happens, products are desorbed from surface…we call this
DESORPTION

CA, CB, T

CA0, CB0, T0
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What are the steps during a catalytic reaction: A→ B?

DE-ACTIVATION

Decrease in catalytic activity with time.

Time?
seconds ------------------------------------------------> years

Examples:
FCC process
Naphtha HDS

(Main) Reasons for De-Activation:

(1) AGEING: gradual change in surface.

(2) POISONING: adsorption of undesirable material, “poison”, on active

surface.

(3) FOULING = COKING: deposit of “C” materials on surface.

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DESIGN OF CATALYTIC REACTORS

2-Phase 3-Phase
(G-S or L-S) (G-L-S)

-Packed-Bed Rxr (PBR) Slurry Rxr

-Fluidized-Bed Rxrs (FLBR) Trickle-Bed Rxr

Most common reactors in refining and petrochemical industries are the PBR and FLBRs!