Advances in the application of carbon nanotubes as catalyst support for hydrogenation reactions

Improved catalysts with better activity, selectivity and life can aid in reducing the capital costs, and energy consumption required for reactors and separation equipment. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based catalyst is of great interest because of the high catalytic activity, stability, selectivity and metal support interactions. In this review, the synthesis methods to manufacture and characterize the catalysts with CNTs as support both on the exterior and interior (confined space) have been discussed. Reactions involving heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of commercially valuable organic compounds have been discussed in this review paper. Recommendations have been made on the design and operation of catalytic reactors. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in CNT supported catalysts have been listed with a road map for future work.