Schloegl, R. (Berlin, Germany): Nanocarbon materials in catalysis
Most chemical megaproducts are done by selective oxidation (without burning, oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH)). Technical processes rely on oxide materials which either catalyse the endothermic abstraction of di-H or the ODH with burning the prymary H to water. A common problem is C deposition and hence deactivation. Conventional C is no reliable catalyst as it is burnt and its porosity allows for polymerisation of the primary product olefin molecules.
Use CNTs as catalysts for styrene production. (Important polymer.) The catalysys is an intermediate of C oxidation (what is a multistep process). Have to find cheap sources for CNT.