Machine learning-enhanced optimal catalyst selection for water-gas shift reaction

Abstract

The water-gas shift (WGS) reaction is pivotal in industries aiming to convert carbon monoxide, a byproduct of steam reforming of methane and other hydrocarbons, into carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Selecting an effective catalyst for this transformation poses a substantial challenge, as it requires a delicate balance between conversion, stability, and cost. We combine machine learning-driven prediction models with Bayesian optimization to explore and identify novel catalyst compositions. The proposed method efficiently explores the catalysis composition space for a predefined set of active metals, supports, and promoters to identify the most promising catalyst formulations. We assign weights to different performance metrics of catalysts, enabling tailored optimization according to specific industry needs. Our screening system streamlines catalyst discovery and facilitates the screening and selection of catalysts that balance conversion performance, stability, and cost-effectiveness. This approach holds significant promise for advancement in heterogeneous catalysis to meet the growing demands of efficient industrial processes.