Giulio Lolli

Carbon Nanotubes: An Example of Multiscale Development—A Mechanistic View from the Subnanometer to the Meter Scale

We summarize the catalytic synthesis of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The current understanding of the reaction mechanism is presented, in particular the catalyst design for the CCVD process is analyzed. To complement that, kinetics and reaction engineering aspects are discussed along with the impact of the reaction and reactor operation on the product properties. All these issues are analyzed from the perspective of the industrial synthesis and implications for the application of carbon nanotubes. Carbon-nanotube technology is a perfect example of multi-scale development and covers challenges from the nanometer to the meter scale. Problems, methods, and solutions characteristic for different scales will be highlighted. The Co/Mn catalyst is used as reference as one of the first commercially used technologies for the scalable production of multiwall carbon nanotubes.

Formic acid: a future bridge between the power and chemical industries

In the future hydrogen economy, formic acid is considered an efficient hydrogen storage molecule and a new C1 building block for the chemical industry. Formic acid could be used as a sustainable carbon monoxide source. In the present work efficient catalysts for the decomposition of formic acid and its derivatives to carbon monoxide have been found. The proposed catalysts are widely available zeolites, making the process feasible for industrial scale applications. Thus, formic acid and its derivatives could be seen as liquid and storable versions of carbon monoxide, which could be directly used in the existing chemical value chain.

Methyl N‐Phenyl Carbamate Synthesis from Aniline and Methyl Formate: Carbon Recycling to Chemical Products

Methyl N-phenyl carbamate was synthesized from aniline by using methyl formate as a green and efficient carbonylating agent. High yields were obtained at milder reaction conditions compared to the conventional CO/CH3 OH route. Studies on the reaction sequence led to suggest an alternative and more efficient route to the carbamate via formanilide as intermediate.