Recent Advances in the Design and Application of Nanocatalysts

Heterogeneous catalysis represents one of the oldest commercial applications of nanoscience; indeed, nanoparticles of metals and metal oxides have been used to catalyze important chemical reactions for well over a century. The large surface to volume ratio of nanoparticles, resulting in high concentrations of undercoordinated surface sites, makes them particularly attractive as catalysts, as do the unique electronic properties that can be accessed in the quantum dot regime. Aided by advances in materials science – and specifically in the controlled synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials – the field of nanocatalysis has made significant strides in the last couple of decades. The precise control of particle size, shape, composition and spatial distribution of the constituent elements enables catalysts to be tailored for specific applications, promising improved activity, selectivity and stability. In addition to traditional applications in the petrochemical industry, nanocatalysts are increasingly finding use in relatively new applications such as energy storage materials and biomass valorization. This Special Issue collects original research papers, reviews, and commentaries focused on recent advances in the design and application of nanocatalysts.

Keywords (3-10 keywords)

Nanoparticles, nanostructured, nanocrystalline, core-shell, colloids, colloidal nanoparticles, metals, oxides

Guest Editor

Prof. Dr. Mark Crocker, University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research

Homepage: https://chem.as.uky.edu/users/mcroc2

Deadline

30 November 2020