From metal vapor to supported single atoms, clusters and nanoparticles: Recent advances to heterogeneous catalysts

• Published in: Inorganica Chimica Acta 2022-04, Vol.533, p.120782, Article 120782
• Main Authors: Pitzalis, Emanuela, Psaro, Rinaldo, Evangelisti, Claudio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atomic layer deposition; Atomic layer epitaxy; Catalysts; Chemical synthesis; Cluster beam deposition; Coordination compounds; Global marketing; Heterogeneous catalysis; Metal vapor; Metal vapor synthesis; Metal vapors; Nanoparticles; Organometallic vapor; Reaction mechanisms
• ISSN: 0020-1693; 1873-3255
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2021.120782

[Display omitted] •Cluster beam deposition method for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts.•Atomic layer deposition method for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts.•Metal vapor synthesis method for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts. The ever-increasing demand for metal catalysts on the global market has encouraged the development of new approaches for the synthesis of highly efficient catalysts. Metal and organometallic vapor-based synthesis methods allow exerting a high control over the morphological and structural features of the supported metal active phase leading to a significant contribution to design advanced catalysts and understand reaction mechanisms at atomic scale. In this mini-review, we describe recent advances on the synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts by three different promising methods using vapors of metal or organometallic complexes as precursors: atomic layer deposition (ALD), cluster beam deposition (CBD) and metal vapor synthesis (MVS). Catalytic applications over the last decade of heterogeneous catalysts containing single atoms, clusters or nanoparticles are reported and discussed pointing out the potentiality of these three approaches.