Early Transition Metal-Nitride and -Carbide Hydrogenation/Dehydrogenation Catalysis

Project Details

Hydrogenations and dehydrogenations play critical roles in the production of a variety of chemicals and fuels, and account for nearly 20% of reaction steps in typical fine chemical synthesis processes. These reactions are also central to CENTC research, and the development of better performing hydrogenation and dehydrogenation catalysts will contribute independently or in tandem with other reactions. Early transition metal nitrides and carbides, a class of interstitial compounds, have emerged as attractive materials for use in a variety of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions, offering chemistries that can be different from those for metals and oxides. The overall goal of this research is to enhance our fundamental understanding of factors that govern the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation selectivities and activities of early transition metal nitrides and carbides. These studies should advance the use of these novel materials as hydrogenation or dehydrogenation catalysts, complementing and perhaps displacing catalysts in other relevant applications.