Combinatorial preparation and testing of heterogeneous catalysts

A process for preparing arrays of heterogeneous catalysts, heterogeneous catalyst precursors, or combinations thereof, comprising a body having through-channels and in which at least n through-channels comprise n different heterogeneous catalysts, heterogeneous catalyst precursors, or combinations thereof, where n is at least one 2, comprising the following steps:

• a1) preparing solutions, emulsions or dispersions of elements or element compounds of the chemical elements present in the catalysts, catalyst precursors, or combinations thereof and, optionally, preparing dispersions of inorganic support materials,
• a2) optionally, introducing adhesion promoters, binders, viscosity regulators, pH regulators or solid inorganic supports into the solutions, emulsions or dispersions,
• a3) simultaneously or successively coating the channels of the body with the solutions, emulsions or dispersions, a predetermined amount of the solutions, emulsions or dispersions being introduced into each channel to obtain a predetermined composition, to produce freshly impregnated moist channels,
• a4) treating and reacting the freshly impregnated moist channels obtained after the coating with at least one reactive gases selected from the group consisting of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, prussic acid and carbon monoxide to precipitate salt solution of the chemical elements, and
• a5) optionally, heating the coated body in the presence or absence of inert gases or reactive gases to a temperature in the range from 20 to 1500° C. to dry, optionally with sintering or calcining, the catalysts, catalyst precursors, or combinations thereof.