The applications of copper (Cu) and Cu-based nanoparticles, which are based on the earth-abundant and inexpensive copper metal, have generated a great deal of interest in recent years, especially in the field of catalysis. The possible modification of the chemical and physical properties of these nanoparticles using different synthetic strategies and conditions and/or via postsynthetic chemical treatments has been largely responsible for the rapid growth of interest in these nanomaterials and their applications in catalysis. In addition, the design and development of novel support and/or multimetallic systems (e.g., alloys, etc.) has also made significant contributions to the field. In this comprehensive review, we report different synthetic approaches to Cu and Cu-based nanoparticles (metallic copper, copper oxides, and hybrid copper nanostructures) and copper nanoparticles immobilized into or supported on various support materials (SiO2, magnetic support materials, etc.), along with their applications in catalysis. The synthesis part discusses numerous preparative protocols for Cu and Cu-based nanoparticles, whereas the application sections describe their utility as catalysts, including electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and gas-phase catalysis. We believe this critical appraisal will provide necessary background information to further advance the applications of Cu-based nanostructured materials in catalysis.

This review summarizes the progress made essentially these last ten years on heterogeneous palladium catalysis in pure water. The work covers four important palladium-catalyzed transformations for carbon-carbon bond formation: Suzuki, Heck, Sonogashira and Tsuji-Trost reactions. The discussion focuses on the efficiency and reusability of the heterogeneous catalysts as well as on the experimental conditions from a sustainable chemistry point of view. The review is introduced by a discussion on mechanistic aspects inherent to heterogeneous catalysis.

In this review we focus on the widely used Suzuki–Miyaura reaction and show that Pd/C is an efficient catalyst for carbon–carbon bond formation. The advantages and limitations of Pd/C are presented through selected examples. Mechanistic as well as practical aspects are also discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)

The development of sustainable organometallic chemistry is one of the many challenges that chemists must address to solve environmental issues. Until now, the classical approach was to develop highly selective homogeneous catalysts for a single transformation. However, a new area of research focuses on the execution of two or more reactions in the same vessel using heterogeneous multitask catalysts. This approach results in a reduced number of operations leading to time and cost benefits. Moreover, owing to the scarcity of natural resources and the recent dramatic cost increase of these resources and metals, the development of recyclable heterogeneous catalysts is urgent. This Minireview focuses on the latest developments in tandem reactions promoted by heterogeneous multitask catalysts.