Mo and W carbide catalysts – An approach towards sustainable conversions

Summary

Catalysts play an important role in the shift from fossil-based chemical industry to a more sustainable, bio-based industry. Current used catalysts are noble metals like platinum or gold. However, noble metals are scarce, hence expensive, which makes it desirable to find more abundant alternatives. In this thesis, we focused on the production of new catalysts based on abundant materials for the conversion of bio-based feedstocks. (Mixed) molybdenum and tungsten carbide catalysts were used as alternatives for noble-based catalysts.