Self-Encapsulation of Heteropolyacids in a 3D-Ordered Coke Framework for Heterogeneous Catalysis in Homogeneous Way

Researchers report a successful design of a 3D-ordered carbonaceous framework without drawbacks of the former method for encapsulation of heteropolyacid (HPA) catalysts. They demonstrate that selective building of the coke layer over the active sites of HPA catalyst deposited on the structured support with well-defined size and shape enables the preparation of a 3D material with homogeneous catalyst inside, and does not lead to diffusional limitation in mass transfer of reactants and products through the walls of these nanoreactors. The researchers have used silica microspheres with the diameter of 170 nm dispersed in water as the template for the synthesis of the carbonaceous capsules.