Chemical Synthesis of Nanoscale Heterogeneous Catalysts

Heterogeneous catalysts play a pivotal role in the conversion of hydrocarbons, such as natural gas, liquid petroleum and coal, into various value-added chemicals. Catalyst performance can be enhanced through the control of synergistic effect generated by the different surface components, that is, the multifunctional nanostructures including the supports. This chapter discusses a few selected synthetic approaches aiming at the control of such structural parameters relevant to the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts. Organic capping agents play important roles in shape control of colloidal nanocystals. Metal core-shell nanostructures can be obtained when two precursors are mixed from the onset. This strategy is usually used for reaction mixtures with mild reducing agents, as the sequential reduction of two metal precursors depends on the difference in reduction potentials of the metal ions. Underpotential deposition (UPD) is one useful way for the fabrication of metal monolayer on metal nanoparticles.