Well-Defined Materials for Heterogeneous Catalysis: From Nanoparticles to Isolated Single-Atom Sites

Abstract

The use of well-defined materials in heterogeneous catalysis will open up numerous new opportunities for the development of advanced catalysts to address the global challenges in energy and the environment. This review surveys the roles of nanoparticles and isolated single atom sites in catalytic reactions. In the second section, the effects of size, shape, and metal–support interactions are discussed for nanostructured catalysts. Case studies are summarized to illustrate the dynamics of structure evolution of well-defined nanoparticles under certain reaction conditions. In the third section, we review the syntheses and catalytic applications of isolated single atomic sites anchored on different types of supports. In the final part, we conclude by highlighting the challenges and opportunities of well-defined materials for catalyst development and gaining a fundamental understanding of their active sites.

Synthetic Organic Transformations of Transition‐Metal Nanoparticles as Propitious Catalysts: A Review

“…Wang group reported the CuI nanoparticle-catalyzed synthesis of tetracyclic benzo[e]benzo [4,5]imidazo [1,2-c] [1,3]thiazin-6imine heterocycles 105 by S N Ar-type CÀ S, CÀ N bond formation from isothiocyanatobenzenes 104 and benzimidazoles 103 (Scheme 49). [36] The electron-donating group on benzimidazole gave higher yields than the electron-withdrawing group.…”

“…[2] In yet another recent review, Niu and Li reported well-defined materials for heterogeneous catalysis from the perspective of processes for Industrial synthesis of fine chemicals. [3] Besteiro and Moores groups explained the role of localized surface plasmon resonance theory (LSPR) in the design and understanding of mechanisms in plasmon-enhanced nanocatalysis. Such improvised catalysts exhibited oxidations of alcohols, alkenes, aromatics, amines and carbon monoxide.…”

“…[10] Earlier, Verma et al has reported copper, copper oxide, hybrid copper nanostructure and copper nanoparticles immobilized into or supported on various materials displayed applications in electrocatlytic, photocatalytic and gas-phase catalytic reactions. [11] Further in 2018, Nasrollahzadeh reports various nanocatalyst mediated A 3 coupling transformations recorded during ten year time frame i. e., 2007-2017 for the synthesis of biologically active propargylamines. Several nanocatalysts based on metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) such as copper, gold, silver, iron, nickel, cobalt and zinc have successfully been employed in A 3 coupling reactions.…”

“…[11] Further in 2018, Nasrollahzadeh reports various nanocatalyst mediated A 3 coupling transformations recorded during ten year time frame i. e., 2007-2017 for the synthesis of biologically active propargylamines. Several nanocatalysts based on metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) such as copper, gold, silver, iron, nickel, cobalt and zinc have successfully been employed in A 3 coupling reactions. Besides, core-shells NPs, polymers, complexes, graphene's, metal-organic frameworks and ionic liquids have also been used in these reactions.…”

Revitalizing silver nanocrystals as a redox catalyst by modifying their surface with an isocyanide-based compound

“…[1][2][3][4] Nevertheless, Ag shows limited catalytic activity toward reduction reactions when compared to platinum-group metals (PGMs) such as Pt, Pd, Rh, and Ir. [5][6][7][8][9] One approach to overcome this limitation is to decorate the surface of Ag nanocrystals with a PGM for the fabrication of Ag-based bimetallic nanocrystals. To this end, we and other groups have demonstrated the synthesis of Ag@M (M ¼ Pt, Pd, Au, and Rh) nanocrystals with a core-frame, core-shell, or core-satellite structure.…”