In biological and industrial processes, catalysis is critical. With the introduction of nanosciences, the bottom-up strategy has obviously surpassed the top-down technique, rendering this traditional frontier obsolete. As a result, the molecular approach is now the most useful for developing selective and efficient heterogeneous catalysts that can be removed from reaction fluids and reused. Nanocrystals with sizes ranging from one to a few nanometers have the highest catalytic efficiency, but their support is crucial for synergistic substrate activation. Therefore, this book is timely in bringing together the top experts in catalysis from both the homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis fields, who have envisioned a wide range of synthetic methods to catalytically active transition metal NPs and their derivatives.
Thus the first part of the book (Chapter I) deals with NP catalysis, emphasizing the key role of NP supports; the second part (Chapter II) concerns specific metals (namely Pd, Ru, Ir and Au), and the last part (Chapter III) focuses on specific substrates of particular interest for organic chemistry, hydrocarbon reforming and environmental aspects.
I am deeply grateful to faculty and reviewers who have suggested changes for this book. We strongly believe that this book will greatly catalyze research in this key field in the forthcoming years for the benefit of our Society. Have a nice read!
