(69e) Using Cascading Catalysis Concepts to Design Heterogeneous Catalysts

Cascading and tandem catalysis concepts, involving the use of multiple catalytic species to facilitate multi-step reactions in a single pot, have proven to be effective for the design of homogeneous catalytic processes with higher rates and selectivities and are emerging as a useful strategy for the design of high performance heterogeneous catalytic systems.  This paper will describe our efforts to design heterogeneous catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation using cascading/tandem catalysis concepts. Nanostructured early transition metal carbides and nitrides have proven to be very useful, serving as catalysts for key steps and supports for nanoscale metal particles that catalyze other steps.  The results provide useful insights into the design of more effective catalytic materials and the potential use of early transition metal carbides and nitrides.