Mechanochemical engineering for improved screening, selection, preparation, activation, and system development of heterogeneous catalysts

This field study introduces the science of Mechanochemical Engineering as a methodology incorporating mechanical alloying and mechanochemistry to rapidly prepare new and novel mixtures of elements and compounds for the development of catalytic materials. Background information presented will serve as a technical basis for the development of new catalytic materials. The study also shows the use of advanced characterization methods to delineate the structure-property relations that influence the potential catalytic activity of the materials and to evaluate any mechanochemical reactions that occur during the processing.;During the mechanical milling process the successes and opportunities for improvement led to a list of operating parameters to be followed in future work.;The work showed that mechanical alloying techniques will create a nano sized amorphous mixture from starting materials that are much larger and are crystalline in nature in a matter of hours and without high temperature melting. Characterization of some of the processed mixtures did indicate catalytic activity.