Eisaku Suda

Selective catalysis by lanthanides dispersed on supports (silica, alumina and active carbon)

Abstract The dispersed lanthanide catalysts were prepared by the reaction of support materials (silica, alumina and active carbon) with a homogeneous solution of lanthanides dissolved in liquid ammonia. Their catalytic properties for hydrogenation varied markedly with changes in support and levels of lanthanide loading. The matrix materials influenced the forms of lanthanide present, strongly affecting the catalytic activity and selectivity. For low lanthanide loading on silica and alumina, the lanthanides dissolved in liquid ammonia reacted with the surface hydroxyl groups to form SiO 2− and Al 2 O 3 -grafted lanthanide catalysts. For active carbon, highly dispersed lanthanide catalysts were prepared and their thermal treatment converted the lanthanide into the nitride form.