Managing dynamic catalyst changes to upgrade reactors and reaction processes

Abstract

Metal nanoparticle catalysts can undergo dynamic structural changes within chemical environments. Reaction processes and reactors are often designed to accommodate or exploit these changes to achieve desired performance targets. Consequently, controlling dynamic structural changes can lead to upgrading of reactors and reaction processes. This Perspective summarizes the characteristic dynamic behaviors of supported metal catalysts and their corresponding reactors in current industrial processes. We explore recent advancements in the programmable changes of metal catalysts by controlling reaction environments and metal–support interactions. These techniques offer avenues for upgrading reactors and reaction routes, aiming to improve efficiency and simplify production processes. The need to upgrade existing reactors also raises demands for managing catalyst dynamic structural changes. This Perspective emphasizes the importance of connecting atomic-scale changes in catalyst structure with industrial-scale reactions and reactors, which will advance research in catalysis and reaction engineering. This Perspective discusses the dynamic structural changes of metal nanoparticle catalysts under working conditions and several industrial processes designed to accommodate such changes. The authors highlight the potential for reactor and process upgrades through managing these dynamic catalyst changes.