About this Research Topic

Background

Chemistry of materials encompasses a wide range of chemical routes that allow producing materials for various processes. The synergy between chemists and chemical engineers can boost the modernization of chemical industry and many challenges need to be addressed. Materials such as catalysts, sorbents or sensors are often the key parameter of a chemical process. Their efficiencies are not only linked to the nature of the active phase but also to numerous features such as porosity (size, homogeneity, interconnectivity) and morphology (extrudates, monoliths), which are strongly dependent on the synthesis strategies and on the design of the envisaged technology. The creation of hierarchical porous materials allows the improvement of heat and mass transfer, as well as a better control the of the contact time, an important parameter for increasing selectivity and limiting secondary reactions. The materials produced at lab scale in the form of micron-sized powders usually need to be extruded or wash-coated to be used industrially, requiring binders and additives, whose interaction with the active phase can modify material properties.

Besides the conventional methods (ion-exchange, impregnation and deposition–precipitation), advanced preparation techniques such as sol-gel, single atom deposition, spray drying, but also post synthesis treatments (acid leaching, alkaline treatments…) can lead to smart materials with control of particles, pore size and shape at molecular scale. The preparation of new hierarchical and multifunctional materials is increasingly being guided by the need of green and efficient processes. In this scenario, the rational design, based on the understanding of the key synthesis parameters, dictates their performances.

This Research Topic will provide an opportunity for scientists working on both material chemistry devoted to the synthesis strategies and chemical processes to have an interdisciplinary platform for the publication of innovative research. We welcome Original Research articles, Reviews, Mini Reviews and Perspective Papers reporting the preparation of smart materials for application in any field of chemical engineering (heterogeneous catalysis, biocatalysis, photocatalysis, adsorption, sensing, biomedical applications, etc.). In addition, papers addressing (but not limited to):

• Work presenting significant advance(s) in chemistry synthesis and materials
• Use of micro reactor allowing heat management and new strategies in reactor design 
• Characterization of the prepared materials for a better understanding of the complex relationships between specific modifications and the properties changes 
• Use of modern tools to evaluate the materials structure and assembly processes 

Image credits: Image provided by Benjamin ROLAND, Graphic Designer

Keywords: Hierarchical Materials, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Process Intensification, Mass Transfer, Heat Transfer

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