Advances in Microwave-Assisted Heterogeneous Catalysis

Historically the field of heterogeneous catalysis has focused on the design and optimisation of the catalytic materials. However, as these optimisations start to reach diminishing returns, attention has turned to non-conventional means for improving reaction conditions such as the use of ultrasound, plasma, electromagnetic heating and microwave heating. Microwave-assisted catalysis has been demonstrated to be useful in a wide range of applications including ammonia synthesis, desulfurization and production of chemicals from biomass.

Advances in Microwave-assisted Heterogeneous Catalysis begins with the basics of microwave heating and the role of microwaves in heterogeneous catalysis. It goes on to cover the mechanisms of microwave specific reaction rate enhancement, microwave-assisted synthesis of porous, nonporous and supported metal catalysts, microwave augmented reactor technology and microwave-induced catalysis. The application of microwave-assisted heterogeneous catalysis in various fields of energy conversion, environmental remediation, and bulk and specialty chemicals synthesis are also discussed, making this a great reference for anyone involved in catalysis research.