What are Some Notable Applications of Carbides in Catalysis?
Carbides have found applications in several key catalytic processes: - Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis: Carbides like iron carbide and cobalt carbide are used in the conversion of syngas (_CO_ and _H₂_) to liquid hydrocarbons. - Hydroprocessing: Molybdenum carbide and tungsten carbide are utilized in the hydrotreating of petroleum feedstocks to remove sulfur, nitrogen, and other impurities. - Ammonia Synthesis: Transition metal carbides have shown promise as catalysts for the Haber-Bosch process, which synthesizes ammonia (_NH₃_) from nitrogen (_N₂_) and hydrogen (_H₂_).