Catalytic Palladium-Based and Iron-Based Membrane Reactors: Novel Strategies of Synthesis

Several procedures were employed in the preparation of different Pd- and Fe-based catalytic membrane reactors (CMRs) via the normal wet impregnation method, reverse filtration of a microemulsion, sputtering method, and the precipitation of a Fe complex. Depending on the chosen procedure, the metal active phase can be found on the exterior and/or interior part of the CMR or even in its pores in concentrations between 0.05 and 2 wt %. Moreover, we have managed to implement a unique systematic process to grow hydrotalcite in the pores of a Pd-CMR. To exemplify the activity of these new CMRs, we have tested them in the peroxidation of phenol and in situ epoxidation of trans-chalcone.