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Heterogeneous Catalysis

Heterogeneous Catalysis

Heterogeneous catalysis involves a catalyst in a different phase from the reactants. It is a process where the catalyst and the reactants are in distinct phases, typically solid and gas or liquid.Most heterogeneous catalysts are metals, metal oxides, or acids. The list includes transition metals like iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), tungsten (W), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu). These metals possess partially vacant d orbitals that...

Catalysis

Catalysis

The presence of a catalyst affects the rate of a chemical reaction. A catalyst is a substance that can increase the reaction rate without being consumed during the process. A basic comprehension of a catalysts’ role during chemical reactions can be understood from the concept of reaction mechanisms and energy diagrams.

Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation

Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation

Catalytic hydrogenation of alkenes is a transition-metal catalyzed reduction of the double bond using molecular hydrogen to give alkanes. The mode of hydrogen addition follows syn stereochemistry.
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...

Radical Reactivity: Nucleophilic Radicals

Radical Reactivity: Nucleophilic Radicals

Radicals adjacent to electron-donating groups are called nucleophilic radicals. These radicals readily react with electrophilic alkenes. The SOMO–LUMO interactions are the driving force for the reaction, where the high-energy SOMO of the electron-rich, nucleophilic radicals interacts with the low-energy LUMO of the electron-deficient, electrophilic alkenes. Such SOMO–LUMO interactions are the basis of reactive radical traps, affecting the selectivity in radical reactions. For...

Radical Reactivity: Overview

Radical Reactivity: Overview

Radicals, the highly reactive species, gain stability by undergoing three different reactions. The first reaction involves a radical-radical coupling, in which a radical combines with another radical, forming a spin‐paired molecule. The second reaction is between a radical and a spin‐paired molecule, generating a new radical and a new spin‐paired molecule. The third reaction is radical decomposition in a unimolecular reaction, forming a new radical and a spin‐paired...

Radical Formation: Homolysis

Radical Formation: Homolysis

A bond is formed between two atoms by sharing two electrons. When this bond is broken by supplying sufficient energy, either two electrons can be taken up by one atom forming ions by the cleavage called heterolysis, or the two electrons are shared by two atoms, with one each creating radicals by the cleavage called homolysis.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics

Published on: April 12, 2019

Microdroplet induced catalyst surface fields boost hydroxyl radical generation and its application.

Ange Zhu¹, Jingkang Gao², Yunjun Mei³

¹School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

|March 21, 2026

Summary

This study introduces a novel microdroplet system to boost photocatalysis for environmental cleanup. By regulating the interfacial microenvironment, it significantly enhances charge separation and pollutant degradation.

Keywords:

Aerosolized microdroplets Charge separation Hydroxyl radical Interfacial electric fields Semiconductor photocatalysis

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Photochemical Oxidative Growth of Iridium Oxide Nanoparticles on CdSe@CdS Nanorods

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Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production

Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production

Published on: December 6, 2021

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Last Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics

Published on: April 12, 2019

Photochemical Oxidative Growth of Iridium Oxide Nanoparticles on CdSe@CdS Nanorods

Photochemical Oxidative Growth of Iridium Oxide Nanoparticles on CdSe@CdS Nanorods

Published on: February 11, 2016

Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production

Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production

Published on: December 6, 2021

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Materials Science
Chemical Engineering

Background:

Photocatalysis offers a promising route for environmental remediation.
Key limitations include inefficient charge separation and slow interfacial reaction kinetics.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop an aerosolized microdroplet-coupled semiconductor photocatalytic system.
To enhance photocatalytic performance via interfacial microenvironment regulation.

Main Methods:

Dispersing TiO₂ nanoparticles into aerosolized microdroplets.
Utilizing synergistic coupling between gas-liquid and semiconductor-water interfaces.
Investigating the impact of microdroplet-induced electric fields on charge separation and radical generation.

Main Results:

Achieved a hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation rate of 0.31 min⁻¹ and methylene blue degradation rate of 0.16 min⁻¹.
Demonstrated significantly improved performance compared to bulk-phase systems.
Validated the enhancement strategy with multiple semiconductor photocatalysts (ZnO, CuO, Fe₂O₃, ZrO₂).
Showcased efficient pollutant degradation in real river water samples.

Conclusions:

Microdroplet-induced interfacial electric field coupling is an effective strategy for boosting photocatalytic efficiency.
The developed system shows practical applicability and good stability for environmental remediation.
Offers new insights for designing advanced photocatalytic systems.