Catalyst Washing Processes

By: Paweesuda Natewong

Washing is a process that separates soluble impurities from insoluble catalyst particles by dissolving catalysts in a solvent, like water. The soluble impurities are removed by passing the mixture through a filter paper that permits the solvent that contains the soluble impurities to pass through, while the filter paper traps large particles of insoluble catalyst particles. The choice of solvent depends on whether it can dissolve or chemically react with the soluble impurity in the mixture. This will then determine the pH range to look out for in determining whether all the soluble impurities have been removed or not.