The purpose of this research was to directly compare the behavior of zeolites containing rhodium with that of homogeneous rhodium species as catalysts for liquid phase hydroformylation of 1-hexene in order to study the effects of zeolite immobilization. NaX zeolite was cation exchanged with several rhodium salts and used as hydroformylation catalysts at 50°C and 125°C in the presence of: triphenylphosphine (PPh₃), dimethylphenylphosphine (PMe₂Ph), and the poison for zeolite surface and solution rhodium: triphenylmethylmercaptan (Ph₃CSH). The results of these experiments were compared with those of several homogeneous catalysts under similar conditions. It was found that previously reported results of intrazeolitic activity with RhNaX at 50°C were probably incorrect, since, the addition of PMe₂Ph, Ph₃CSH, or both, virtually halted all reactivity of RhNax. The catalytic results at 125°C did not conclusively indicate the location of the active rhodium. Thus, intrazeolitic activity at 125°C may or may not have been observed, and needs further investigation. Reaction profiles were obtained for several of the catalyst systems, using an automatic sampling system. From these profiles, it was found that the addition of excess PMe₂Ph halted isomerization of 1-hexene to 2-hexenes for the zeolite-supported rhodium, and hindered, but did not stop isomerization for the homogeneous catalysts. Also, as expected, it was observed that the homogeneous catalysts reacted to completion faster than the heterogeneous catalyst. In addition, the effects of such treatments as preheating in air and precarbonylation of the heterogeneous catalysts were studied. Pretreatments had no effect upon the catalysis. Also, no activity was observed from the heterogeneous catalysts at 125°C unless phosphines were present. Finally, the hydrogenation of 1-hexene was studied. Heterogeneous and homogeneous rhodium catalysts showed hydrogenation activity which was accompanied by isomerization at 60°C and 125°C. / Master of Science

Pt-supported catalysts are widely used industrially for hydrogenation reactions. However, the kinetics of hydrogen activation, a critical step for any hydrogenation reaction, is still not well understood on supported Pt surfaces. Recent studies had shown that activity and selectivity vary with Pt nuclearity for the acetylene semihydrogenation reaction, increasing in activity and decreasing in selectivity while increasing the particle size from single atoms (SA) to sub-nanoclusters to nanoparticles (NP), attributing the cause of these differences on activities to the activity of H2 activation in the H/D isotopic exchange reaction. In this work, the kinetics of H2 is studied by performing the H2-D2 isotopic exchange reaction on Pt-supported catalysts with different nuclearity to extract the activation barriers and pre-exponential factors for dissociating adsorption and associative desorption (Eads, Edes, and vads, vdes respectively) from the microkinetic model derived from the Bonhoeffer Farkas mechanism, this to perform a more in-depth analysis regarding the differences in activity when comparing the H2 adsorption energy (Eads+ = Eads-Edes) and frequency factors as a function of nuclearity. Experiments were carried out in a quartz tubular fixed bed reactor coupled with a Mass Spectrometer to analyze the product gas by carrying out both, an integral analysis (from 0 to equilibrium conversion) by performing light-off experiments and differential analysis (low conversions) by performing Arrhenius experiments in the low and high coverage regions. / Master of Science / Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction widely used in the petrochemical industry for the refining process where a substance reacts with molecular hydrogen H2 adding pairs of H atoms to compounds. However, hydrogen is unreactive towards other substances in the absence of metal catalysts such as platinum (Pt), which dramatically accelerates the reaction rates making hydrogenation reaction possible. In industry, metallic catalysts are found as supported catalysts where the precious metal is supported on materials with higher thermal and mechanical stability to endure the operation conditions. Depending on the pretreatment conditions the size of metallic particles on the support can be manipulated, giving place to samples made of the same materials but different particle sizes with different properties. There are two critical steps during hydrogenation reactions the first one is the hydrogen activation which consists of the dissociation and adhesion of the two hydrogen atoms from the molecular hydrogen on the metallic surface and the second one is the reverse process where two hydrogen atoms recombine and are released from the metallic surface. Both steps involve a minimum amount of energy to dissociate and recombine hydrogen atoms which are strongly dependent on the metallic particle sizes. The goal of this thesis is to extract these dissociation and recombination energies of hydrogen on platinum particles of different sizes supported on alumina.

Developing a fundamental understanding of the interactions between catalytic surfaces and adsorbed molecules is imperative to the rational design of new materials for catalytic, sorption and gas separation applications. Experiments that probed the chemistry at the gas-surface interface were employed through the utilization of in situ infrared spectroscopic measurements in high vacuum conditions to allow for detailed and systematic investigations into adsorption and reactive processes. Specifically, the mechanistic details of propene epoxidation on the surface of nanoparticulate Au supported on TiO2 and dimethyl chlorophosphate (DMCP) decomposition on the surface of TiO2 aerogel-supported Cu nanoparticles were investigated. In situ infrared spectroscopy illustrates that TiO2-supported Au nanoparticles exhibit the unprecedented ability to produce the industrially relevant commodity chemical, propene oxide, through the unique adsorption configuration of propene on the surface of Au and a hydroperoxide intermediate (-OOH) in the presence of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. Whereas, TiO2-supported Cu aerogels oxidize the organophosphate-based simulant, DMCP, into adsorbed CO at ambient environments. Through a variety of spectroscopic methods, each step in these oxidative pathways was investigated, including: adsorption, oxidation and reactivation of the supported-nanoparticle systems to develop full mechanistic pictures. Additionally, the perturbation of vibrational character of the probe molecule, CO, was employed to characterize the intrinsic µ3-hydroxyls and molecular-level defects associated with the metal-organic framework (MOF), UiO-66. The adsorption of CO onto heterogeneous surfaces effectively characterizes surfaces because the C-O bond vibrates differently depending on the nature of the surface site. Therefore, CO adsorption was used within the high vacuum environment to identify atomic-level characteristics that traditional methods of analysis cannot distinguish. / Doctor of Philosophy / The interaction between small gas molecules and solid surfaces is important for environmental, industrial and military applications. In order to chemically change molecules, surfaces act to lower activation barriers and provide a low energy plane to create new chemical bonds. To study the fundamental interactions that occur between gas molecules and surfaces, we employ infrared spectroscopy in order to probe the vibrations of bonds at the gas–surface interface. By tracking the chemical bonds that break and form on the surface of different materials, we can develop surface reaction pathways for a variety of different chemical reactions. We focus our efforts on two different applications: the conversion of propene to propene oxide for industrial applications and the decomposition of chemical warfare agents. Using the techniques described above, we were able to develop reaction pathways for both propene oxidation and chemical warfare agent simulant degradation. Our work is critical to the further development of catalysts that harness the specific structural and chemical properties we identify as important and exploit them for further use.

The commercialization of lithium-ion batteries has played a pivotal role in the development of consumer electronics and electric vehicles. In recent years, much research has focused on the development and modification of the active materials of electrodes to obtain higher energies for a broader range of applications. High voltage spinel materials including LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O_4-δ (LNMO) have been considered as promising cathode materials to address the increasing demands for improved battery performance due to their high operating potential, high energy density, and stable cycling lifetimes. In an effort to elucidate fundamental structure-property relationships, this thesis explores the tunable properties of single-crystal LNMO. Utilizing facile molten salt synthesis methods, the structural and electronic properties of LNMO can be well controlled. Chapter 2 of this thesis focuses on uncovering the effect of molten salt synthesis parameters including molten salt composition and synthetic temperature on the materials properties. A range of imaging, microscopic, and spectroscopic techniques are used to characterize structural and electronic properties which are investigated in tandem with electrochemical performance. Results indicate the Mn oxidation state is highly dependent on synthesis temperature and can dictate performance, while the molten salt composition strongly influences the particle morphology. In Chapter 3, we explore the concept of utilizing LNMO as a tunable support for heterogeneous metal nanocatalysts, where alteration of the support structure and electronics can have an influence on catalytic properties due to unique support effects. Ultimately, this work illustrates the tunable nature of single-crystal LNMO and can inform the rational design of LNMO materials for energy applications. / M.S. / The development of lithium-ion batteries has been fundamental to the expansion and prevalence of consumer electronics and electric vehicles in the twenty-first century. Despite their ubiquity, there is an ongoing drive by researchers to address the limitations and improve the quality and performance of lithium ion batteries. Much research has focused on altering the composition, structure, or properties of electrodes at the materials level to design higher achieving batteries. A fundamental understanding of how composition and structure effect battery performance is necessary to progress toward better materials. This thesis focuses on investigating the properties of LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O_4-δ (LNMO). LNMO material is considered a promising cathode material to meet the increasing consumer demands for improved battery performance. Through the synthesis methods, the shape of individual particles and the global electronic properties of LNMO can be tuned. In this work, specific synthesis parameters are systematically tuned and the properties of the resultant LNMO materials are explored. Electrochemical testing also evaluates the performance of the materials and offers insights into how they may fair in real battery systems. In an effort to potentially recycle spent battery materials, LNMO is also utilized as a catalyst support. Alteration of shape and electronic properties of the LNMO support can influence the catalytic properties, or the ability of the material to enhance the rate of a chemical reaction. Overall, this thesis explores how LNMO can be tuned and utilized for different applications. This work provides insights for understanding LNMO properties and direction for the development of future battery materials.

[ES] Se han preparado varios materiales metal orgánicos de circonio MOF-808 para evaluar sus propiedades catalíticas en reacciones tipo Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) para la reducción de compuestos carbonílicos. En particular, se han sintetizado compuestos tipo MOF-808 modificados en los que una pequeña fracción de los ligandos trimesato presentes en el MOF original se ha reemplazado por ligandos dicarboxilato, como una estrategia para inducir la creación controlada de defectos estructurales. Los ligandos utilizados han sido: isoftalato (MOF-808-IPA), 3,5-piridindicarboxilato (MOF-808-Pydc), 5- aminoisoftalato (MOF-808-NH2) y 5-hidroxiisoftalato (MOF-808-OH). Todos los materiales obtenidos presentan una elevada cristalinidad y son isoreticulares respecto al MOF-808 original. Se ha evaluado la actividad catalítica del MOF-808 original y de los materiales modificados en reacciones tipo MPV, utilizando ciclohexanona como compuesto modelo. Todos los materiales presentan una elevada actividad catalítica, superior a la del tereftalato de circonio UiO-66 utilizado como referencia. Esta mayor actividad catalítica se corresponde a un mayor número de iones Zr4+ con insaturación coordinativa presentes en el MOF-808 con respecto al UiO-66. Además, los materiales MOF-808-IPA y MOF-808-Pydc presentan una mayor actividad que el MOF-808 original, lo que se debe a la presencia de centros activos menos congestionados estéricamente debido a la introducción de los ligandos dicarboxilato. Una ventaja adicional de compuestos MOF-808 con respecto al UiO-66 es su sistema de poros más grande, lo que permite la conversión de moléculas de mayor tamaño. Para evaluar esta característica, se ha utilizado un compuesto de gran tamaño, la estrona, capaz de penetrar en los poros del MOF-808 pero no en el UiO-66. En consecuencia, el MOF-808 es capaz de convertir por completo la estrona de forma selectiva a estradiol, mientras que el UiO-66 apenas presenta actividad. Además, cuando se usa el MOF-808 como catalizador, se produce una cantidad considerable del isómero 17alfa-estradiol, difícil de obtener por otros medios, por lo que las propiedades de diastereoselectividad del MOF-808 en reacciones MPV resultan de gran interés preparativo. Con el fin de estudiar en mayor detalle la diastereoselectividad de reacciones MPV catalizadas por MOF-808, se ha estudiado la reducción de ciclohexanonas substituidas: 3-metilciclohexanona (3MeCH), 2-metilciclohexanona (2MeCH) y 2-fenil-ciclohexanona (2PhCH). En función del alcohol utilizado como reductor y de la posición del grupo substituyente en la ciclohexanona, el MOF-808 favorece selectivamente la formación de uno u otro isómero, con una diastereoselectividad variable: 82%, 61% y 94%, respectivamente para 3MeCH, 2MeCH y 2PhCH. Es posible racionalizar estos resultados considerando la formación preferencial de uno u otro estado de transición en el espacio confinado disponible dentro de los poros del MOF. Las características energéticas del proceso se han analizado mediante el uso combinado de estudios cinéticos y cálculos teóricos. Finalmente, en vista las interesantes propiedades del MOF-808 como catalizador para reacciones MPV, se ha extendido con éxito el uso de este material a la preparación de compuestos hidroxiesteroides de difícil obtención y de interés farmacológico mediante la reducción quimio-, regioy diastereoselectiva del correspondiente oxoesteroide. De esta forma, se han conseguido obtener en un solo paso de reacción y con una elevada selectividad los siguientes compuestos: 17alfa-estradiol, 5alfa- androstan-3beta,17alfa-diol y epitestosterona, lo que demuestra el potencial del MOF-808 como catalizador para la síntesis de compuestos de alto valor añadido. / [CA] S'han preparat varis materials metall orgànics de zirconi MOF-808 per avaluar les seves propietats catalítiques en reaccions tipus Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) per a la reducció de composts carbonílics. En particular, s'han sintetitzat composts tipus MOF-808 modificats en els que una petita fracció dels lligands trimesat presents en el MOF original s'han reemplaçat per lligands dicarboxilats, com una estratègia per induir la creació controlada de defectes estructurals. Els lligands utilitzats han sigut: isoftalat (MOF-808-IPA), 3,5-piridindicarboxilat (MOF-808-Pydc), 5-aminoisoftlatat (MOF-808- NH2) i 5-hidroxiisoftalat (MOF-808-OH). Tots els materials preparats presenten una elevada cristal·linitat i són isoreticular respecte al MOF-808 original. S'ha avaluat l'activitat catalític del MOF-808 original i dels materials modificats en reaccions tipus MPV, utilitzant ciclohexanona com a compost model. Tots els materials presenten una elevada activitat catalítica, superior a la del tereftalat de zirconi UiO-66 utilitzat com a referència. Aquesta major activitat catalítica es correspon a un major nombre d'ions Zr4+ amb insaturació coordinativa presents en el MOF-808 respecte a l'UiO-66. A més, els materials MOF-808-IPA i MOF-808-Pydc presenten una major activitat que el MOF-808 original, el que és debut a la presència de centres actius menys congestionats estèricament debut a la introducció dels lligands dicarboxilat. Un avantatge addicional dels MOF-808 respecte a l'UiO-66 és el seu sistema de porus més gran, que permet la conversió de molècules de major tamany. Per avaluar aquesta característica, s'ha utilitzat un compost de gran taman, l'estrona, capaç de penetrar en els porus del MOF-808 però no en els de l'UiO-66. En conseqüència, el MOF-808 és capaç de convertir completament l'estrona de forma sel·lectiva a l'estradiol, mentre que l'UiO-66 gairebé no presenta activitat catalítica. A més, quan s'usa el MOF- 808 com a catalitzador, es produeix una quantitat considerable de l'isòmer 17alfa-estradiol, difícil d'obtenir per altre medis, de manera que les propietats de diastereoselectivitat del MOF-808 en reaccions MPV resulten de gran interès preparatiu. Per tal d'estudiar en major detall la diastereoselectivitat de reaccions MPV catalitzades per MOF-808, s'ha estudiat la reducció de ciclohexanones substituïdes: 3-metilciclohexanona (3MeCH), 2- metilciclohexanona (2MeCH) i 2-fenil-ciclohexanona (2PhCH). En funció de l'alcohol usat com a reductor i de la posició del grup substituent en la ciclohexanona, el MOF-808 afavoreix selectivament la formació d'un o de l'altre isòmer, amb una diastereoselectivitat variable: 82%, 61% y 94%, respectivament per a 3MeCH, 2MeCH y 2PhCH. És possible racionalitzar aquest resultats considerant la formació preferent d'un o l'altre estat de transició en l'espai confinat disponible dins dels porus del MOF. Les característiques energètiques del procés s'han analitzat mitjançant l'ús combinat d'estudis cinètics i càlculs teòrics. Finalment, en vista de les interessants propietats del MOF-808 com a catalitzador per a reaccions MPV, s'ha estès amb èxit l'ús d'aquest material a la preparació de composts hidroxiesteroids de difícil obtenció i d'interès farmacològic mitjançant la reducció quimio-, regio- i diastereoselectiva del corresponent oxoesteroid. D'aquesta manera, s'ha aconseguit obtenir en un únic pas de reacció i amb una elevada selectivitat els següents composts: 17alfa-estradiol, 5alfa-androstan-3beta,17alfa-diol i epitestosterona, el que demostra el potencial del MOF-808 com a catalitzador per a la síntesi de composts d'alt valor afegit. / [EN] Various zirconium-containing MOF-808 compounds have been prepared as potential catalysts for the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) reduction of carbonyl compounds. Modified MOF-808 have been synthethized in which a small fraction of the trimesate ligands present in pristine MOF-808 has been replaced by dicarboxylate ligands, as a strategy to induce a controlled creation of defects. The linkers used are: isophthalate (MOF-808-IPA), 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (MOF-808-Pydc), 5-aminoisophthalate (MOF-808-NH2) and 5-hydroxyisophthalate (MOF-808-OH). All these compounds are highly crystalline and isoreticular with pristine MOF-808. The catalytic activity of pristine and defect engineered MOF-808 has been evaluated for MPV reactions, using cyclohexanone as model substrate. All the materials show a higher catalytic activity than that of zirconium terephthalate UiO-66 used as reference. This higher activity is attributed to the higher amount of coordinatively unsaturated Zr4+ ions in MOF-808 than in UiO-66. Moreover, MOF- 808-IPA and MOF-808-Pydc are more active than pristine MOF-808, which is due to the creation of less sterically crowded sites due to the introduction of defective dicarboyxlate linkers. A further advantage of MOF-808 over UiO-66 is the presence of a wider pore system, which allows converting bulkier substrates. To evaluate this characteristic, a bulky ketone has been used; estrone, which can enter the pores of MOF-808 but not those of UiO-66. Accordingly, MOF-808 can fully convert estrone selectively to estradiol, while UiO-66 shows barely any catalytic activity. Interestingly, when MOF- 808 is used as catalysts, a noticeable amount of the isomer 17alpha-estradiol is produced, which is difficult to obtain by other means. Therefore, the diastereoselective properties of MOF-808 for MPV reactions are interesting from the preparative point of view. In order to investigate in more detail the diastereoselective properties of MOF-808 for MPV reactions, various substituted cyclohexanones have been considered: 3-methylcyclohexanone (3MeCH), 2- methylcyclohexanone (2MeCH) and 2-phenylcyclohexanone (2PhCH). Depending on the alcohol used as reducing agent and the position of the substituent in the cyclohexanone molecule, MOF-808 selectively favors the formation of one isomer or the other with a different diastereoselectivity: 82%, 61% and 94%, respectively for 3MeCH, 2MeCH y 2PhCH. These results can be rationalized by considering the preferential formation of a given transition state in the confined space available inside the MOF pores. The energetic characteristics of the process have been analyzed by a combined use of kinetic studies and theoretical calculations. Finally, in view of the interesting properties of MOF-808 as catalyst for MPV reactions, this material has been successfully applied to the preparation of a number of challenging hydroxysteroid compounds with pharmacologic interest through a chemo-, regio- and diastereoselective reduction of the corresponding oxosteroid. In this way, it has been possible to prepare in one single reaction step the following compounds: 17alpha-estradiol, 5alpha-androstan-3beta,17alpha-diol and epitestosterone. This demonstrates the high potential of MOF-808 as a catalysts for the synthesis of high added value compounds. / I want to thank the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program for a contract under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 641887 (Project acronym: DEFNET). / Mautschke, H. (2019). Zirconium Metal Organic Frameworks as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley Reactions [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/130203

[ES] En la presente tesis doctoral se ha llevado a cabo un estudio de nuevas reacciones orgánicas de interés catalizadas por diferentes especies de paladio, tanto clústeres como complejos metálicos. En primer lugar, se ha estudiado la reacción intramolecular regioirregular de Mizoroki-Heck catalizada por clústeres de paladio en disolución, donde se han puesto en conflicto las propiedades electrónicas y estéricas de la reacción de Mizoroki-Heck, obteniendo la reacción de ciclación con una regioselectividad inversa. También se han realizado estudios mecanísticos mediante experimentos cinéticos y computacionales. También se ha desarrollado un catalizador sólido basado en una zeolita, concretamente la zeolita X, que tras intercambiar los cationes de compensación de carga e introducir el Pd, cataliza la reacción intermolecular de Mizoroki-Heck regioirregular. Se ha conseguido obtener un centro activo en la zeolita con las condiciones tanto estéricas como electrónicas óptimas para realizar la reacción intermolecular regioirregular de Mizoroki-Heck entre estirenos y iodobencenos, con buenos rendimientos y selectividades. Por otro lado, se ha estudiado una nueva ruta de síntesis de una fragancia comercial, la deshidromuscona, donde se obtiene un rendimiento global de síntesis mayor que el obtenido actualmente en la industria, todo ello en un menor número de pasos. Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio más intenso sobre el paso donde se realiza la macrociclación en alta concentración, para poder ser viable industrialmente. Mediante la reacción de Mizoroki-Heck estudiada arriba, se ha llevado a cabo un estudio de macrociclación a alta concentración donde, a partir de unos sustratos modelo, se realiza la reacción de macrociclación catalizada por clústeres de paladio en disolución, y se obtienen los macrociclos con buenos rendimientos en una concentración de hasta 1M. También se han realizado estudios mecanísticos tanto computacionales como cinéticos. Por último, se ha realizado la síntesis de dos fosfinas voluminosas basadas en una fragancia, y su posterior estudio de coordinación con el paladio y su alcance catalítico en reacciones orgánicas de interés, como son la telomerización de isopreno, y las reacciones de acoplamiento Buchwald-Hartwig y Suzuki con cloroderivados, donde se comprueba la capacidad catalítica de los complejos formados con nuestras fosfinas y el paladio. / [CA] En la present tesi doctoral s'ha dut a terme un estudi de noves reaccions orgàniques d'interés catalitzades per diferents espècies de pal·ladi, tant clústers com complexos metàl·lics. En primer lloc, s'ha estudiat la reacció intramolecular regioirregular de Mizoroki- Heck catalitzada per clústers de pal·ladi en dissolució, on s'han posat en contrast les propietats electròniques i estèriques de la reacció de Mizoroki-Heck obtenint la reacció de ciclació amb una regioselectivitat inversa. També s'han realitzat estudis mecanístics mitjançant estudis cinètics i computacionals. També s'ha desenvolupat un catalitzador sòlid basat en zeolita, concretament la zeolita X, que després de fer-li intercanvi de cations i introduir el Pd que catalitza la reacció a l'interior, s'ha aconseguit obtindre un centre actiu amb les condicions tant estèriques com electròniques òptimes per a realitzar la reacció intermolecular regioirregular de Mizoroki-Heck entre estirens i iodobencenos amb bons rendiments i selectivitats. D'altra banda, s'ha estudiat una nova ruta de síntesi d'una fragància comercial, la deshidromuscona, on s'obté un rendiment global de síntesi major que l'obtingut actualment en la indústria, tot això en un menor nombre de passos, on s'ha dut a terme un estudi més intens d'un pas on es realitza una macrociclació en alta concentració per a poder ser viable industrialment. Mitjançant la reacció de Mizoroki-Heck estudiada anteriorment, s'ha dut a terme un estudi de macrociclació en alta concentració on a partir uns substrats model es realitza la reacció de macrociclació catalitzada per clústers de pal·ladi en dissolució on s'obtenen els macrocicles amb bons rendiments en una concentració fins del 1M. També s'han realitzat estudis mecanístics tant computacionals com cinètics. Finalment, s'ha realitzat la síntesi de dues fosfines voluminoses basades en fragàncies i el seu posterior estudi de coordinació amb el pal·ladi i el seu abast catalític en reaccions orgàniques difícils, com són la telomerización, la Buchwald-Hartwig o la Suzuki, comprovant la capacitat catalítica dels complexos formats amb les nostres fosfines i el pal·ladi. / [EN] In this doctoral thesis, a study of new organic reactions of interest catalyzed by different palladium species, both clusters and metal complexes, has been carried out. Firstly, the intramolecular regioirregular Mizoroki-Heck reaction catalyzed by palladium clusters in solution has been studied, where the electronic and steric properties of the Mizoroki-Heck reaction have been contrasted, obtaining the cyclization reaction with an inverse regioselectivity. Mechanistic studies have also been carried out by kinetic and computational studies. A solid catalyst based on a zeolite has also been developed, specifically zeolite X, which after making cation exchange and introducing the Pd that catalyzes the reaction inside, it has been possible to obtain an active center with the optimum steric and electronic conditions to carry out the intermolecular regioirregular Mizoroki-Heck reaction between styrenes and iodobenzenes, with good yields and selectivities. On the other hand, a new route for the synthesis of a commercial fragrance, dehydromuscone, has been studied, where a higher overall synthesis yield than the one currently obtained in the industry is obtained. The new synthesis is carried out in less number steps, and a more intense study on the macrocyclization reactive in high concentration has been carried out, in order to evaluate if it is industrially viable. By means of the Mizoroki-Heck reaction studied previously, a study of macrocyclization at high concentration has been carried out where, from some model substrates, the macrocyclization reaction catalyzed by palladium clusters in solution is carried out, to obtain macrocycles with good yields and in a concentration up to 1M. Both computational and kinetic mechanistic studies have also been performed. Finally, the synthesis of two bulky phosphines based on a commercial fragrance and their subsequent coordination with palladium has been studied. Their catalytic scope in challenging organic reactions, such as the telomerization of isoprene, and the Buchwald-Hartwig and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions of chloroderivatives, have been carried out, verifying the catalytic capacity of the complexes formed with our phosphines and palladium. / Garnes Pórtoles, F. (2023). Nuevas reacciones de acoplamiento cruzado de alquenos terminales altamente regioselectivas y catalizadas por paladio [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/195109

During this PhD thesis, cobalt (Co) catalysts have been prepared, characterized and studied in the carbon monoxide hydrogenation (CO+H2) reaction (also known as “Fischer-Tropsch” (FT) reaction). In industry, the FT synthesis aims at producing long chain hydrocarbons such as gasoline or diesel fuels. The interest is that the reactants (CO and H2) are obtained from other carbonaceous sources than crude oil: natural gas, coal, biomass or even petroleum residues. As it is well known that the worldwide crude oil reserves will be depleted in a few decades, the FT reaction represents an attractive alternative for the production of various fuels. Moreover, this reaction can also be used to produce high value specialty chemicals (long chain alcohols, light olefins…).<p>Two different types of catalysts have been investigated during this thesis: cobalt with magnesia used as support or dispersant (Co/MgO) and cobalt with silica used as support (Co/SiO2). Each catalyst from the first class is prepared by precipitation of a mixed Co/Mg oxalate in acetone. This coprecipitation is followed by a thermal decomposition under reductive atmosphere leading to a mixed Co/MgO catalyst. On the other hand, Co/SiO2 catalysts are prepared by impregnation of a commercial silica support with a chloroform solution containing Co nanoparticles. This impregnation is then followed by a thermal activation under reductive atmosphere.<p>The mixed Co/Mg oxalates and the resulting Co/MgO catalysts have been extensively characterized in order to gain a better understanding of the composition, the structure and the morphology of these materials: thermal treatments under reductive and inert atmospheres (followed by MS, DRIFTS, TGA and DTA), BET surface area measurements, XRD and electron microscopy studies have been performed. Moreover, an original in situ technique for measuring the H2 chemisorption surface area of catalysts has been developed and used over our catalysts.<p>The performances of the Co/MgO and Co/SiO2 catalysts have then been evaluated in the CO+H2 reaction at atmospheric pressure. Chemical Transient Kinetics (CTK) experiments have been carried out in order to obtain information about the reaction kinetics and mechanism and the nature of the catalyst active surface under reaction conditions. The influence of several experimental parameters (temperature, H2 and CO partial pressures, total volumetric flow rate) and the effect of passivation are also discussed with regard to the catalyst behavior.<p>Our results indicate that the FT active surface of Co/MgO 10/1 (molar ratio) is entirely covered by carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms, most probably associated as surface complexes (possibly formate species). Thus, this active surface does not present the properties of a metallic Co surface (this has been proved by performing original experiments consisting in switching from the CO+H2 reaction to the propane hydrogenolysis reaction (C3H8+H2) which is sensitive to the metallic nature of the catalyst). CTK experiments have also shown that gaseous CO is the monomer responsible for chain lengthening in the FT reaction (and not any CHx surface intermediates as commonly believed). Moreover, CO chemisorption has been found to be irreversible under reaction conditions.<p>The CTK results obtained over Co/SiO2 are quite different and do not permit to draw sharp conclusions concerning the FT reaction mechanism. More detailed studies would have to be carried out over these samples.<p>Finally, Co/MgO catalysts have also been studied on a combined DRIFTS/MS experimental set-up in Belfast. CTK and Steady-State Isotopic Transient Kinetic Analysis (SSITKA) experiments have been carried out. While formate and methylene (CH2) groups have been detected by DRIFTS during the FT reaction, the results indicate that these species play no role as active intermediates. These formates are most probably located on MgO or at the Co/MgO interface, while methylene groups stand for skeleton CH2 in either hydrocarbon or carboxylate. Unfortunately, formate/methylene species have not been detected by DRIFTS over pure Co catalyst without MgO, because of the full signal absorption.<p> / Doctorat en Sciences de l'ingénieur / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

The area of methanol synthesis and utilization has been attracting research interests due to its positive impact on the environment and also from energy perspectives. Methanol synthesis from CO₂ hydrogenation not only produces methanol which is a key platform chemical and a clean fuel, but can also recycle CO₂ which is one of the major greenhouse gases causing global warming. As a mobile energy carrier (particularly as a hydrogen carrier), methanol is a versatile molecule which is able to generate H₂ via its decomposition. Catalysis plays a decisive role in the success of both methanol synthesis from CO₂ hydrogenation and its reverse decomposition reaction. Pd/Ga₂O₃ binary catalyst has recently been identified as an active catalyst for the methanol synthesis reaction. In this thesis, it is reported the shape effect of Pd promoted Ga₂O₃ for this reaction. The catalytic H₂ evolution from methanol photodecomposition has also been studied over these catalysts. Three shapes of Ga₂O</sub>3</sub> nanomaterials (i.e. rod and plate β-Ga₂O</sub>3</sub>, and particle γ-Ga₂O₃) have been synthesized, followed by doping with Pd metal to form corresponding Pd/Ga₂O₃ nanocatalysts. It was found that a (002) polar Ga2O3 surface which was dominantly presented on the plate form was unstable, giving a higher degree of oxygen defects and mobile electrons in the conduction band than the other non-polar (111) and (110) surfaces of the rod form. It was shown that a significantly stronger metal support interaction was found between the (002) polar Ga₂O₃ on the plate form and Pd, which gave higher methanol yield and selectivity. For methanol photodecomposition, it was found that, for pure Ga₂O₃ catalysts of different shapes, the plate form with a highest degree of defects (unstable polar surface) could encourage a non-radiative catalytic recombination of electron and hole pairs upon irradiation, hence giving a highest photocatalytic activity for H₂ production. Once Pd was introduced onto these oxide surfaces, it was noted that there was a fast and readily electron transfer from the conduction band of Ga₂O₃ to Pd due to the formation of a Schottky junction between the two materials. This produces metal sites for hydrogen production and further enhances the rate of the photocatalytic reaction over the radiative recombination of excitons. However, it was also found that at higher Pd content (>1%), the significantly shortened exciton lifetimes reduce the catalytic rate hence giving an overall volcanic response of activity to increasing Pd content for each shape of Ga₂O₃. At the higher Pd content, the plate form appeared to sustain a longer lifetime for photocatalysis compared to the other forms at the equivalent Pd loading.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The synthesis of a range of siloxane functionalized Ru(arene)Cl(N,N) complexes allowing for the synthesis of novel MCM-41 and SBA-15 immobilized ruthenium(II) catalysts, is described in this thesis. Two distinctly different approaches were envisaged to achieve successful heterogenization of these siloxane functionalized complexes. Condensation of the siloxane functionalized complexes, C2.4-C2.6 (siloxane tether attached to imine nitrogen) and C3.5-C3.7 (siloxane tether via the arene ring), with the surface silanols of the synthesized silica support materials MCM-41 and SBA-15, afforded immobilized catalysts IC4.1-IC4.6 (siloxane tether attached to imine nitrogen) and IC4.7-IC4.12 (siloxane tether via the arene ring). Model and siloxane functionalized complexes C2.1-C2.6 were prepared by the reaction of diimine Schiff base ligands L2.1-L2.6 with the [Ru(p-cymene)2Cl2]2 dimer. A second, novel, approach involved the introduction of the siloxane tether on the arene ligand of the complex. Cationic arene functionalized Ru(arene)Cl(N,N) complexes, C3.1-C3.4, were prepared with varying N,N ligands including bipyridine and a range of diimine ligands, with either propyl or diisopropyl(phenyl) substituents at the imine nitrogen (greater steric bulk around the metal center). The reaction of these propanol functionalized complexes with 3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl isocyanate, afforded urethane linked siloxane functionalized complexes C3.5-C3.8, where the siloxane tether is attached to the arene ring of the complex. The complexes were fully characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy, ESI-MS analysis and microanalysis. Suitable crystals for the alcohol functionalized complex C3.1 were obtained and the resultant orange crystals were analyzed by single crystal XRD. The heterogenized catalysts, IC4.1-IC4.12, were characterized by smallangle powder X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption (BET) surface analysis to name but a few. ICP-OES allowed for direct comparison of the model and immobilized systems during catalysis ensuring that the ruthenium loadings were kept constant. The application of the model complexes C2.1-C2.3 and C3.1-C3.3, as well as their immobilized counterparts, IC4.1-IC4.12, as catalyst precursors in the oxidative cleavage of alkenes (1-octene and styrene), were investigated. The proposed active species for the cleavage reactions was confirmed to be RuO4 (UV-Vis spectroscopy). In general it was observed that at lower conversions, aldehyde was formed as the major product. Increased reaction times resulted in the conversion of the formed aldehyde to the corresponding carboxylic acid. For the oxidative cleavage of 1-octene using the systems with the siloxane tether attached to the imine nitrogen, the immobilized systems outperformed the model systems in all regards. Higher conversions and selectivities of 1-octene towards heptaldehyde were obtained when using immobilized catalysts IC4.1-IC4.6, as compared to their non-immobilized model counterparts (C2.1-C2.3) at similar times. It was found that the immobilized catalysts could be used at ruthenium loadings as low as 0.05 mol %, compared to the model systems where 0.5 mol % ruthenium was required to give favorable results. Complete conversion of 1-octene could be achieved at almost half the time needed when using the model systems as catalyst precursors. The activity of the model systems seems to increase with the increase in steric bulk around the metal center. These model and immobilized systems were also found to cleave styrene affording benzaldehyde in almost quantitative yield in some case (shorter reaction times). The systems, with the siloxane tether via the arene ring, were found to be less active for the cleavage of 1-octene when compared to the above mentioned systems (siloxane tether attached to the imine nitrogen). The immobilized systems IC4.7-IC4.12 performed well compared to their model counterparts, but could not achieve the same conversions at the shorter reaction times as were the case for IC4.1-IC4.6. This lower activity was ascribed to the decreased stability of these systems in solution compared to the above mentioned systems with the tether attached to the imine nitrogen. This was confirmed by monitoring the conversion of the complex (catalyst precursor) to the active species in the absence of substrate (monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy). It was observed that model complex C3.1 could not be detected in solution after 1 hour, compared to complex C2.2 which was detected in solution even after 24 hours. Experiments were carried out where MCM-41 was added to a solution of model complex C2.2 under typical cleavage reaction conditions. A dramatic increase in the conversion was achieved when compared to a reaction in the absence of MCM-41. An investigation into the effect of the support material on the formation of the expected active species was carried out using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The presence of the active species, RuO4, could be observed at shorter reaction times in the presence of MCM-41. This suggested that the silica support facilitates the formation of the active species from the complex during the reaction, therefore resulting in an increased activity. It was also observed that RuO4 is present in solution in reactions where the immobilized catalyst systems are used after very short reaction times, compared to the prolonged times required for this to occur as is the case for the model systems. Model and immobilized catalysts, C2.1-C2.3 and IC4.1-IC4.6, were also applied as catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of various ketones. The immobilized systems could be recovered and reused for three consecutive runs before the catalysts became inactive (transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone). Moderate to good conversion were obtained using the immobilized systems, but were found to be less active their model counterparts C2.1-C2.3. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die sintese van `n reeks siloksaan gefunksioneerde Ru(areen)Cl(N,N) komplekse, wat die sintese van nuwe MCM-41 en SBA-15 geimmobiliseerede rutenium(II) katalisatore toelaat, word in hierdie tesis beskryf. Twee ooglopend verskillende metodes is voorgestel om die suksesvolle immobilisering van die siloksaan gefunksioneerde komplekse te bereik. Die kondensasie van die siloksaan gefunksioneerde komplekse, C2.4-C2.6 (siloksaan ketting geheg aan die imien stikstof) en C3.5-C3.7 (siloksaan ketting geheg aan die areen ligand), met die oppervlak silanol groepe van die silika materiale MCM-41 en SBA-15, laat die sintese van geimmobiliseerde katalisatore IC4.1-IC4.6 (siloksaan ketting geheg aan die imien stikstof) en IC4.7-IC4.12 (siloksaan ketting geheg aan die areen ligand) toe. Model en siloksaan gefunksioneerde komplekse C2.6-C2.6 is berei deur die reaksie tussen Schiff basis ligande, L2.1-L2.6, en die [Ru(p-simeen)2Cl2]2 dimeer. `n Tweede, nuwe benadering wat die sintese van komplekse met die siloksaan ketting geheg aan die areen ligand behels, is ook gevolg. Kationiese areen gefunksioneerde Ru(areen)Cl(N,N) komplekse, C3.1-C3.4, is berei deur die N,N ligande rondom die metaal sentrum te wissel vanaf bipiridien tot `n reeks diimien ligande met propiel of diisopropielfeniel substituente by die imien stikstof. Hierdie propanol gefunksioneerde komplekse is met 3-(triëtoksiesiliel)propiel-isosianaat gereageer om sodoende die uretaan gekoppelde siloksaan gefunksioneerde komplekse C3.5-C3.8 op te lewer. Al die komplekse is ten volle gekaraktariseer deur van FT-IR spektroskopie, KMR (1H and 13C) spektroskopie, ESI-MS analise en mikroanalise gebruik te maak. In die geval van model kompleks C3.1, is `n kristalstruktuurbepaling ook uitgevoer. Die heterogene katalisatore, IC4.1- IC4.12, is gekaraktariseer deur poeier X-straaldiffraksie, skandeer- en transmissieelektronmikroskopie, termogravimetriese analise (TGA), induktief gekoppelde plasma optiese emissie spektroskopie (IKP-OES) en BET oppervlak analises, om net `n paar te noem. IKP-OES het ons toegelaat om `n direkte vergelyking te tref tussen die model en geimmobiliseerde sisteme tydens die katalise reaksies. Model komplekse C2.1-C2.3 en C3.1-C3.3, sowel as hul geimmobiliseerde eweknieë IC4.1- IC4.12, is vir die oksidatiewe splyting van alkene (1-okteen en stireen) getoets. Die voorgestelde aktiewe spesie wat tydens hierdie reaksie gevorm word, RuO4, is bevestig deur van UV-Vis spektroskopie gebruik te maak. Oor die algemeen is dit gevind dat aldehied oorheersend gevorm word by laer omsetting. Wanneer die reaksietyd verleng is, is daar gevind dat die aldehied na die ooreenstemmende karboksielsuur omgeskakel is. Wanneer die geimmobiliseerde katalisatore gebruik is tydens die oksidatiewe splitsing van 1-okteen, het die sisteme, met die ketting geheg aan die imien stikstof, deurgangs beter as die model sisteme gevaar. Hoër omskakelings van 1-okteen en hoë selektiwiteite vir heptaldehied is behaal wanneer die geimobiliseerded katalisatore IC4.1-IC4.6 met die nie-geimmobiliseerde model sisteme (C2.1- C2.3) vergelyk is by dieselfde reaksietye. Die geimobiliseerde sisteme kon by rutenium beladings van so laag as 0.05 mol % gebruik word. Dit is in teenstelling met die model sisteme waar 0.5 mol % rutenium nodig was om die reaksie suksesvol te laat plaasvind. Die totale omskakeling van 1-okteen is bereik in die helfte van die tyd wat nodig was wanneer die model sisteme gebruik is. Dit is gevind dat die aktiwiteit van die model sisteme toeneem met `n toename in die steriese grootte van die ligand rondom die metaal. Beide die model en geimmobilseerde sisteme kon ook gebruik word vir die oksidatiewe splyting van stireen. Bensaldehied kon in kwantitiewe opbrengs gevorm word in sommige gevalle. `n Laer aktiwiteit vir die oksidatiewe splyting van 1-okteen is vir die sisteme waar die siloksaan ketting aan die areen ligand geheg is, waargeneem. Hoewel die geimmobiliseerde sisteme IC4.7-IC4.12 beter as hul model eweknieë gevaar het, kon die aktiwiteite wat met IC4.1-IC4.6 bereik is nie geewenaar word nie. Hierdie laer aktiwiteit is toegeskryf aan die verlaagde stabiliteit van dié sisteme in oplossing in vergelyking met IC4.1-IC4.6 (ketting geheg aan die imine stikstof). Die stabiliteit van beide sisteme is getoets deur die omskakeling van die model komplekse (C2.2 en C3.1; katalise voorgangers) na die aktiewe spesie te monitor (UV-Vis spektroskopie). Na 1 uur kon die model kompleks C3.1 nie meer in die oplossing waargeneem word nie. In teenstelling kon model kompleks C2.2 nog selfs na 24 uur in die oplossing bespeur word. Om die rol van die silika materiale tydens die reaksie te ondersoek, is `n eksperiment uitgevoer waar MCM-41 by `n oplossing van kompleks C2.2 gevoeg is. `n Toename in die omskakeling van 1-okteen is waargeneem in vergelyking met `n reaksie waar geen silika teenwoordig was nie. UV-Vis spektroskopie is gebruik om die invloed van die silika op die vorming van die aktiewe spesie te ondersoek. In eksperimente waar MCM-41 teenwoordig was, kon die aktiewe spesie, RuO4, by baie korter reaksietye waargeneem word. Dit wil blyk of die silika materiaal die vorming van die aktiewe spesie vanaf die kompleks aanhelp en sodoende `n toename in die spoed van die reaksie bewerkstellig. RuO4 kon ook by baie korter reaksietye waargeneem word wanneer die geimmobiliseerde sisteme gebruik is. Beide model en geimmobiliseerde sisteme, C2.1-C2.3 en IC4.1-IC4.6, is getoets vir die oordrag hidrogenering van verskilende ketone. Dit was moontlik om die geimmobiliseerde sisteme drie keer te herwin en vir daaropvolgende reaksies te gebruik. Vir die geimmobiliseerde sisteme kon egter slegs gemiddelde omskakelings verkryg word en het swakker gevaar as hul model ekwivalente sisteme, C2.1-C2.3.

Le développement de technologies plus propres et économes en énergie amène aujourd’hui l’industrie du raffinage à modifier ses stratégies de préparation de catalyseurs et à se tourner vers l'utilisation plus massive de catalyseurs hétérogènes plus actifs, sélectifs, stables et régénérables.Récemment une méthode originale a été développée par Dufaud et al. (J. Mater. Chem., 2009, 19, 1142-1150) pour encapsuler des polyoxométallates (POMs) dans les murs des silices mésoporeuses. Le projet de thèse a visé l’élaboration de nouveaux catalyseurs basés sur cette nouvelle méthodologie qui devrait conduire à des systèmes à haute teneur en métal actif Mo/W bien dispersé, avec une meilleure proximité spatiale entre le Mo/W et son promoteur. Afin de mettre en évidence cette proximité, différentes voies ont été envisagées :i) synthèse en deux étapes comportant l'encapsulation des POMs dans les murs de SBA-15, suivie d’une imprégnation à sec des promoteurs (Ni(NO3)2 ou Co(NO3)2)ii) synthèse en une seule étape comportant l'imprégnation à sec de POMs substitués Co3PCoMo11O40H, Ni3PNiMo11O40H, Co3/2PMo12O40 ou Ni3/2PMo12O40 iii) préparation traditionnelle par co-Imprégnation à sec d’une silice SBA-15 par une solution de POMs et Ni(NO3)2 ou Co(NO3)2, afin de mettre en évidence non seulement l'intérêt de la nouvelle méthode de préparation mais aussi le gain lié à l'utilisation de supports de type SBA-15 (par rapport aux supports aluminiques conventionnels) ayant des caractéristiques texturales aussi remarquables. L’effet du traitement de sulfuration sur ces solides a été étudié et l’évaluation des propriétés catalytiques de ces matériaux a été réalisée sur des molécules modèles en hydrogénation du toluène, hydrodésulfuration du thiophène et du 4,6-DMDBT. A partir des résultats obtenus, une des stratégies de synthèse a été optimisée, en vue de l'élaboration de matériaux encore plus actifs. / Economic growth in the developing countries over the past decade has increased the global demand for crude oil. It is projected that the global crude slate will become sourer, with a sulfur content above 1.3 wt%. An overall aim of policymakers is thus to ensure that transportation fuels do not surpass a sulfur content of 10 ppm. Several solutions are possible to achieve the nowadays goals, that affect either the process or the catalyst. The latter solution, which does not involve significant additional costs for refiners, is therefore the most studied. One way to improve the nowadays catalysts would be to increase the content of active metal (eg cobalt and molybdenum in the case of CoMo systems). Nevertheless, at higher metal loadings, the formation of refractory species such as CoMoO4 or Co3O4 by sintering during calcination and/or sulfidation steps has been reported for alumina-Supported catalysts. This PhD project is based on the development of new hydrotreating catalysts, through a 2-Step one-Pot method : synthesis of polyoxometalates-Containing mesoporous SBA-15 materials, followed by incipient wetness impregnation of active phase promoter. The encapsulation of these species within the silica matrix would prevent the agglomeration of large particles during sulfidation reactions and could thus lead to systems with high content of active metal well dispersed over the support. One aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of these catalysts in the hydrotreating of several feedstocks, such as diesel oil, gasoline or vegetal oil. A second objective was the understanding of the nature of the different interactions between the active phase precursors and the support, according to each preparation technique.The non-Promoted hybrid catalyst showed a better dispersion of the metallic phase in the oxide state, compared to the catalysts prepared by incipient wetness impregnation, which can be correlated with stronger interactions between encapsulated POM and silica functionalities, such as siloxanes and silanols, as evidenced by Raman spectroscopy. However, the wide-Angle XRD showed the presence of MoO3 crystallites. HRTEM analyzes of the sulfided catalysts showed different species on this catalyst: small MoS2 slabs and metal particles (∼ 1 nm) mainly in the walls but also on the surface of pores; curved MoS2 slabs at mesopores surface leaving the entrance of the pore free; MoS2 hanks blocking the pores.This catalyst showed a relatively low sulfidation rate (determined by XPS), which could be associated with the presence of refractory species already present before activation. Thus, the toluene conversion represented per MoS2 clearly showed the interest of the catalyst prepared by this innovative method, presenting an intrinsic activity two-Fold higher than that of the catalyst prepared by dry impregnation.The subsequent impregnation of the active phase promoter of the hybrid catalyst (Pr(NO3)2, Pr = Ni or Co; 4 <pH <6), resulted in a very heterogeneous distribution of species, which could be attributed to a POM destruction by the impregnation solution, that afterward led to the sintering of large clusters. However, the hybrid catalysts promoted showed improved catalytic performances when compared to the traditional alumina-Based catalysts, when nickel is used as a promoter. However, the sulfidation and promotion rates of these catalysts must be improved: the catalyst with the highest Ni content showed (i) a high Ni/Mo atomic ratio of 0.4, which would lead to a loss of active sites by excessive decoration, and (ii) the formation of species such as NixOwSy or NixSy, which could lead to the loss of active sites, dispersion and access to the active phase.Perspectives towards an enhanced HDT catalyst based on the findings of this project are:Milder synthesis calcination conditionsSulfidationPost-Synthetic treatment in order to introduce Ni and Mo in proximal vicinityRegeneration of HDT hybrid catalysts