In many catalytic systems, the activity and selectivity of supported metal catalysts or extended metal surface catalysts would be affected by the metal surface structure, and this phenomenon is called structure sensitivity. Generally, structure sensitivity is led by the change of geometric and electronic properties of the metal on the surface. The variation of metal nuclearity and metal-support interactions are effective ways to change the geometric and electronic properties of the supported metal catalyst, leading to different types of the active sites exposing on the support that would take effect on catalyzing the reaction. In this work, a series of supported Ir catalysts (on MgAl2O4 and SiO2) with different particle sizes less than 3 nm were utilized for hydrogenolysis of n-butane and ethane to study the structure sensitivity as well as the potential reaction pathways. The results indicate that the activity of n-butane hydrogenolysis increases as Ir particle size increases in the small particle size range (0.7–1.4 nm) and then drops when the Ir particle size further increases and the Ir single atoms might be inactive for hydrogenolysis after the post-reaction analysis. The selectivity of n-butane hydrogenolysis is dominated by central and one terminal C–C bond cleavage on the n-butane molecules at low temperature range. The selectivity to central C–C bond cleavage is highly dependent on the size of Ir and increases with a decrease in particle size down to ~1.4 nm but remains constant with further decrease in size. The hydrogenolysis of ethane shows a similar trend in the small size range but the activity is much lower than n-butane, which supports the low level of series reaction pathway in the case of n-butane hydrogenolysis. In addition to Ir nuclearity, the effect of electronic properties was also studied on another series of Ir catalysts supported on ZnAl2O4, in which zinc replace the magnesium within the same spinel structure. The characterization results including HAADF-STEM and volumetric CO chemisorption show the difference of Ir nuclearity in the subnanometer regime and nanoparticles (~1.4 nm), while XPS and DRIFTS indicate the difference of electronic properties from metal-support interaction on the two Ir catalysts with the same nuclearity but reduced at different temperatures. Acetylene hydrogenation is structure sensitive on Ir/ZnAl2O4 catalysts and the activity and selectivity are mainly determined by Ir nuclearity instead of the difference in electronic properties. The Ir single atoms and subnanometer clusters are more selective to the target product of C2H4 but less active than large Ir nanoparticles as there might be more π-bonded adsorption than di-σ bonded adsorption for C2H2 on the Ir single atoms and subnanometer clusters. / Doctor of Philosophy / The supported metal catalyst is a kind of effective substance that could help increase the reaction rate when being properly utilized in the reaction. From the industry point of view, the best thing is to maximize the catalyst productivity and minimize the expense so that the economic benefit could be magnified. The catalyst effectiveness in a certain reaction might be different when the surface structure of the catalyst varies. Usually, only the fraction of the surface metals could take effect. As the particle size of the catalyst decreases, the fraction of the surface atoms that contain active sites drastically changes, leading to a different catalytic performance and probably lower cost with improved efficiency for metal utilization. Therefore, it is very significant for the researchers to study the reaction structure sensitivity on the same series of catalysts with different particle sizes. Also, by understanding the reaction mechanism and fundamentals of the catalytic system, it would be possible for the researchers to rationally design the catalysts aiming at higher efficiency and lower cost. In this work, the reaction of hydrogenolysis that cleaves the C–C bonds within the alkanes molecules was studied on the supported Ir catalysts (Ir/MgAl2O4 and Ir/SiO2) with different particle sizes ranging from mostly single atoms, subnanometer clusters to nanoparticles. For n-butane hydrogenolysis, it is found that the selectivity to the target product of ethane is weakly dependent on particle size when smaller than 1.4 nm but decreases as the size further increases. Meantime, the activity is highest on the catalyst with surface-average particle size of 1.4 nm. Therefore, Ir size of ~1.4 nm is optimum for activity and selectivity to ethane. The series of Ir/ZnAl2O4 catalysts was tested for structure sensitivity by another probe reaction, semi-hydrogenation of acetylene. The adsorbed acetylene molecules could be hydrogenated by adding two hydrogen to form the adsorbed ethylene before desorption or further hydrogenation to form ethane. Our results show the Ir single atoms and subnanometer clusters are more selective to the target product of ethylene but less active than the large nanoparticles. With the understanding of structure sensitivity, researchers are able to rationally design the catalysts based on their necessity for certain reactions.

Spin-lattice (T1) relaxation studies using solid-state and solution-state :31p nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have proven to be a reliable procedure for determining the onset of a "liquid-like" character of the supported phase in a supported aqueous phase catalyst. It has also been shown that the appearance of the liquid-like character, which can be determined by the length of T b occurs at the onset of maximum catalytic activity in a supported aqueous phase catalyst. Direct sulfonation of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (DPPE) has yielded 1,2-(bis[di-m-sodiumsulfonato]phenylphosphino)ethane (DPPETS), a new water soluble ligand that has been characterized and used in the synthesis of several new complexes with palladium, rhodium, platinum and nickel centers. T 1 relaxation times and the magnitude of the chemical shift anisotropy of several of the complexes have been determined with solid- and solution-state 31 P NMR and several complexes have been evaluated for their potential in biphasic hydrogenation and hydroformylation catalysis. / Ph. D.

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.

En 1920, le moteur Diesel marque l'histoire en se faisant une place dans le milieu de l'automobile. Toutefois, malgré la révolution que représente le moteur Diesel notamment en terme de technologie (moteur à combustion interne dont l'allumage n'est pas commandé mais spontané par phénomène d'auto-inflammation (absence de bougie d'allumage)), des inconvénients majeurs subsistent, tout particulièrement au niveau environnemental et sanitaire (émission de gaz à effet de serre, prélèvement accru d'énergie fossile, impact direct sur la santé). Afin de lutter contre ces émissions, l'Union Européen à mit en place les normes EURO (depuis 1993) incitant les constructeurs automobiles à concevoir des procédés d'élimination des particules carbonées et à apporter des évolutions au niveau des motorisations. C'est dans ce contexte qu'a vu le jour la technologie Filtre à Particules initié par Peugeot en 1999 pour évoluer d'années en années jusqu'à être considérées aujourd'hui comme une avancée majeur en terme de traitement des particules Diesel. Encore aujourd'hui les problèmes d'émanations demeurent en raison des imbrûlés générés par le moteur diesel (suies, HC aromatiques polycycliques, d'oxyde de soufre, d'oxyde d'azote…). Les dégagements de particules de suies fines demeurant un problème particulièrement important au niveau de la santé. Cette thèse s'inscrit dans l'optique d'optimisation du procédé FàP en proposant l'élaboration de membrane à base de SiC supportée. Plus généralement, notre étude concerne l'élaboration de céramiques poreuses (membranes supportées et mousses) à base de silicium pour application environnementale et sanitaire (Filtration des particules fines, dépollution et séquestration de CO2).Le Chapitre I traite du contexte général de l'étude. La problématique des émissions de particules est abordée d'un point de vue sanitaire et environnemental en précisant les normes en vigueurs pour leur contrôle. La technologie FàP est décrite avant d'introduire le SiC et la voie dite des « polymères précéramiques » (PDCs). L'aspect catalytique est ensuite abordé avant de développer le principe d'élaboration de membrane SiC et leur intérêt pour une application de dépollution automobile.Le Chapitre II traite de l'élaboration de membranes SiC supportées. L'étude concerne l'élaboration d'un procédé optimale pour déposer une membrane au sein de la porosité du FàP qui modifierait les caractéristiques de porosité de ce dernier sans pour autant engendrer des répercussions néfastes sur la filtration. Le polymère précéramique, précurseur de SiC, sera alors décrit et nous étudierons sa mise en forme par la technique dite de « trempage-tirage » (dip-coating) afin d'élaborer, après pyrolyse, une membrane SiC. Cette dernière sera caractérisée par de nombreux outils expérimentaux.Le Chapitre III reprend le procédé d'élaboration des membranes de SiC élaboré dans le Chapitre II mais il proposera d'aller plus loin avec la réalisation et l'étude de catalyseurs pour la combustion des suies, et leur intégration au sein d'une microémulsion de type SiC-MxOy utilisée pour revêtir les FàP.Le Chapitre IV propose une étude sur la préparation de mousses à base de SiC. Ce chapitre d'aspect plus fondamental consistera à développer des mousses cellulaires et à porosité hiérarchisée à base des éléments silicium (Si), bore (B), carbone (C) et azote (N). Cette phase de carbonitrure de silicium et de bore (Si/B/C/N) sera élaborée par couplage de la voie PDCs avec soit des agents sacrificiels soit par réplication. Une étude préliminaire sur la séquestration de CO2 sera alors décrite pour finir. / Since the 90's, Diesel engines are widely used though they are criticized because of the pollution emitted. The constant updates of the Europeans norms (since 1993) concerning the diesel emissions imply a perpetual improvement of filtration techniques. The Diesel Particles Filter (DPF) technology used by the car manufacturer PSA Peugeot Citroën is one of the best ways to fulfill the limitation for diesel emissions. However, particles emission issue is still a problem and future legislations more and stricter, so an improvement of the DPF process is required to respect them. In this context, we have considered the elaboration of two different types of porous membranes on the DPF channels. The first one was in SiC, and had the aim to enhance the filtration efficiency. In this way, the smallest particles matter could be locked in the filter. The second kind of membrane integrates a catalytic phase inside the ceramic matrix, so in addition to the filtration aspect, it could improve soot combustion during the regeneration step of the DPF.The first chapter of my thesis deals with the literature corresponding to the subject, i.e. the DPF technology, non-oxides Si-based ceramics, and in particular those obtained through polymer-derived ceramics route (also called PDCs route). Then, ceramic coatings and catalytic phases are also treated. In the second chapter, we have considered the PDCs route and preceramic polymers to elaborate a SiC coating inside the DPF channels. We employed the dip-coating technique to overlay the channel surface with the AHPCS precursor of SiC (allylhydridopolycarbosilane), then, a pyrolysis under argon allows obtaining a SiC coating, in order to decrease the average pore diameter of the DPF (keeping an efficient filtration while avoiding overpressure) to catch soot nanoparticles evolving from Diesel engine.The third part of my PhD deals with the elaboration of another kind of coating for the DPF channels including a catalytic phase in the ceramic membrane. For this purpose, the microemulsion synthesis has been considered to prepare SiC-MxOy membrane. Further, we incorporated various catalytic phases based on Ce, Fe and Pt as activators of soot combustion. By employing the dip-coating technique, we successfully covered the DPF channels of our monoliths with the aforementioned microemulsion and after a heat treatment under controlled atmosphere; a porous coating consisting of the catalytic phase and the ceramic matrix was obtained. From this film, the porosity has been modified by lowering the diameter of the initial pores, but also by getting an additional porosity due to the polymer conversion and the surfactant decomposition. Catalytic sites in the ceramic have improved the soot combustion by lowering the temperature of the combustion.The fourth chapter introduces the elaboration of porous SiBCN materials through two approaches, replication and warm-pressing with sacrificial template (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA). The SiBCN ceramic is a promising material due to its high mechanical properties and its stability at high temperature (1700-1800°C). By coupling the PDCs way with those two techniques, we are able to elaborate SiBCN porous materials which features can be tuned according to the technological application envisaged.

Abstract not available

Despite the growing interest in heterogeneous polymerization catalysis, the majority of the polymerization catalysts used industrially are single-use entities that are left in the polymer product. Recoverable and recyclable polymerization catalysts have not reached the industrial utility of single-use catalysts because the catalyst and product separation have not become economical. The successful development of recyclable transition metal polymerization catalysts must take a rational design approach, hence academic and industrial researchers need to further expand the fundamental science and engineering of recyclable polymerization catalysis to gain an understanding of critical parameters that allow for the design of economically viable, recoverable solid polymerization catalysts. Unfortunately, the rapid development of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization over the past 10 years has not resulted in its wide spread industrial practice. Numerous reports regarding the immobilization of transition metal ATRP catalysts, in attempts to increase its applicability, have extended the fundamentals of recyclable polymerization catalysis. However, for industrial viability, more research is required in the area of how the catalyst complex immobilization methodology and support structure affect the catalyst polymerization performance, regeneration, and recyclability. A comprehensive rational catalyst design approach of silica-immobilized ATRP catalyst was undertaken to answer these questions and are discussed here.

The work described herein focuses on the synthesis and characterisation of copper(I) complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, their use in catalysis as well as organometallic synthesis and related reaction mechanisms. Two classes of complexes were considered: neutral NHC-Cu(I) species and their cationic analogues. Concerning the former, initial efforts were focused on the development of a general and straightforward synthetic methodology towards complexes of the type [Cu(X)(NHC)] (X = Cl, Br, I). More than 10 NHC-Cu(I) species were synthesised in high yields under mild conditions, in air and using technical grade solvents. These complexes exhibited interesting activity in the catalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid/amine adducts proving in three times more efficiency than the copper salts previously employed in such a reaction. Hydroxide- and tert-butoxide analogues showed to be efficient catalysts in the N-methylation of amines with CO₂ as carbon source, and in the dehydrogenative coupling of silanes and carboxylic acids. Experimental and computational work were carried out in order to elucidate the mechanism of these transformations. Regarding the use of these species in organometallic synthesis, homo- and heteroleptic bis-NHC-Cu(I) complexes were employed as carbene transfer reagents to other transition metals. Aside from well-known cationic gold(I) species, two novel palladium(II) analogues were isolated and fully characterised.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(人間・環境学) / 甲第24711号 / 人博第1084号 / 新制||人||254(附属図書館) / 2022||人博||1084(吉田南総合図書館) / 京都大学大学院人間・環境学研究科相関環境学専攻 / (主査)教授 吉田 寿雄, 教授 田部 勢津久, 教授 中村 敏浩, 教授 田中 庸裕 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Human and Environmental Studies / Kyoto University / DFAM

Nowadays, the requirement to design highly valuable compounds is undoubtedly one of the major challenges in the field of organic and organometallic chemistry. The use of the versatile and efficient N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) combined with transition metals represents a key feature in modern organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis. In the course of this thesis, the straightforward design and synthesis of a library of Pd(0) bearing NHC ligands was achieved. Their catalytic performances (Chapter 1) and their phosphorescence properties in solution (Chapter 2) were disclosed. Currently, cross-couplings are some of the most important types of reaction in palladium catalysis. The formation of highly hindered biaryls substrates is one of the main requirements in cross-coupling chemistry. The design and synthesis of a palladium dimer bearing a bulky NHC ligand can fulfil this proposal (Chapter 4). The development of new classes of ligands is a topic of interest. For this reason, normal, abnormal, remote and mesoionic N-heterocyclic carbenes copper complexes were investigated and their reactivity compared in the [3+2] cycloaddition of azides and alkynes (Chapter 7). Air and moisture stable Cu(I)-NHC species have also been compared to their silver analogues for the alkynylation of ketones (Chapter 9). The different reactivity of the two latter organometallic species (Cu and Ag) with ethyldiazoacetate reagent via the formation of carbenes or C-H activated product is presented in Chapter 8. Recently, the development of a bimetallic catalytic system is strongly considered and has high impact. For this reason, two dual catalytic transformations (Pd-NHC and Cu-NHC) were studied for the C-H arylation (Chapter 5) and the synthesis of substituted alkenes products via a relay or cooperative mechanisms (Chapter 6). The isolation of intermediates and mechanistic studies were examined in each of these studies.

The experimental data and results demonstrated here illustrate the preparation and application of mesoporous metal oxides in energy storage, adsorption, and catalysis. First, a new method of controlling the pore size and wall thickness of mesoporous silica was developed by controlling the calcination temperature. A series of such silica were used as hard templates to prepare the mesoporous metal oxide Co₃O₄. Using other methods, such as varying the silica template hydrothermal treatment temperature, using colloid silica, varying the materials ratio etc., a series of mesoporous β-MnO₂ with different pore size and wall thickness were prepared. By using these materials it has been possible to explore the influence of pore size and wall thickness on the rate of lithium intercalation into mesoporous electrode. There is intense interest in lithium intercalation into titanates due to their potential advantages (safety, rate) replacing graphite for new generation Li-ion battery. After the preparation of an ordered 3D mesoporous anatase the lithium intercalation as anode material has been investigated. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of ordered crystalline mesoporous metal oxides with microporous walls. Here, for the first time, the preparation and characterization of three dimensional ordered crystalline mesoporous α-MnO₂ with microporous wall was described, in which K+ and KIT-6 mesoporous silica act to template the micropores and mesopores, respectively. It was used as a cathode material for Li-ion battery. Its adsorption behavior and magnetic property was also surveyed. Following this we described the preparation and characterization of mesoporous CuO and reduced Cu[subscript(x)]O, and demonstrated their application in NO adsorption and delivery. Finally a series of crystalline mesoporous metal oxides were prepared and evaluated as catalysts for the CO oxidation.