Nanocarbon materials, especially carbon nanotubes (CNTs), exhibit unique controllability of both its surface acidity/basicity and p - electron density through curvature, surface functionalization including addition of heteroatoms. Defects existing on the surface of nanocarbons can act as isolated sites to anchor functional groups or activate molecules. The long-range ordering of nanocarbon materials determines the mechanical stability and the macroscopic properties (e.g. thermal and electronic conductivities, oxidation resistance) that are superior to the classical carbon materials such as activated carbon or carbon black. Consequently, nanocarbon has become a test object as a new alternative material to some currently used catalyst. A possible application of nanocarbon as heterogeneous catalysts is attractive since no precious or transition metals are used and open new possibility for a sustainable catalysis. We have explored CNTs for the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene and alkane activation (C1-C5), and studied the mechanism by both in-situ experiments and DFT calculations identifying quinone-like carbonyl groups as the active sites. Recently the study of nanocarbon as catalysts has been extended to the hydrochalogenation, hydrogenation, epoxidation and oxygen insertion reactions. Nanocarbons are all active in these reactions. However, the active sites are different for different reactions. Surface modification with heteroatoms such N, B, P can change significantly the conversion/selectivity. The state-of-the-art of nanocarbon catalysis will be presented with an outlook for practical application.

Recent progress in carbon catalysis

247th National Meeting (2014)

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