Silicon carbide - a novel catalyst support for heterogeneous catalysis

Progress in developing a new class of support materials based on silicon carbide (SiC) is reviewed. Silicon carbide has superior mechanical and thermal properties which, coupled to chemical inertness, avoids several of the problems inherent in the use of commercial oxide and carbon based supports and caralysts. High surface area SiC can now be prepared easily in a commercially viable shape, with good mechanical properties, and at reasonable cost. It can be shaped directly into monolith or honeycomb forms including some catalytically active material, rendering fabrication simple and cost effective. Furthermore, it can be modified for specific catalytic applications through the addition of metals. In many respects, it combines the best properties of oxide and carbon based supports without suffering many of their disadvantages.