Gubkin University scientists developed innovative catalysts based on natural nanotubes

The faculty members of the Department of Physical and Colloid Chemistry of the Faculty of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Gubkin University developed ruthenium-containing catalysts based on natural nanotubes that consist of aluminum, silicon and oxygen, protected from the adverse effects of water.

The key feature of the development is the arrangement of active component particles inside nanotubes, the outer surface of which is covered with organic molecules that do not interact with water, which protects the metal from deactivation. The studies showed that such systems act as "nanoreactors" and allow the efficient transformation of hydrocarbon molecules even with water, which is especially promising for the development of new national technologies for the processing of renewable raw materials, such as bio oil.

This strategy can be used to produce catalysts that allow to process water-containing organic feedstock, as well as to improve the quality of motor fuels. Continued work in this area will allow not only producing catalysts with improved performance characteristics, but also expanding the range of tasks for the national industry of nanomaterials.

The outcomes of the studies were published in Catalysis Today and supported by the Mega-grants Program of the Government of the Russian Federation.