How do you approach the development of materials for enhanced catalytic activity or selectivity?

Sample interview questions: How do you approach the development of materials for enhanced catalytic activity or selectivity?

Sample answer:

Development of Materials for Enhanced Catalytic Activity or Selectivity

1. Identify the Catalytic Reaction: Understand the specific reaction under investigation and the desired enhancements in activity or selectivity.

2. Literature Review and Precursor Selection: Conduct a thorough literature search to identify existing materials and strategies for similar catalytic reactions. Select promising precursors with appropriate properties as starting materials.

3. Synthesis and Characterization: Utilize various synthesis techniques to prepare the materials, employing parameters optimized for the desired catalytic properties. Perform thorough characterization using advanced analytical methods (e.g., XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS) to probe the crystal structure, morphology, composition, and surface properties.

4. Catalyst Design: Explore different approaches to design the materials, including modification of surface properties, creation of active sites, engineering the shape and size, and incorporation of dopants or promoters.

5. Catalytic Testing: Evaluate the catalytic performance of the synthesized materials under controlled conditions. Optimize reaction parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, reaction time) to … Read full answer

   Source: https://hireabo.com/job/5_0_15/Materials%20Scientist