Abstract

Heterogeneous catalysts are generally based on nanoparticles, that nowadays can be synthesize with uniform size and shape. The precise structural and morphological control, coupled with the possibility to modulate the metal-support interactions, allowed us to have a step change increase in the activity. Sustainability considerations force to move from high metal loaded catalysts to low metal loaded systems, and possibly to metal free materials. (1) Single atom catalysts represent a great opportunity in this trend of maximization of specific catalytic performances (2-6). Recent debate is focused on the specific role of single site vs clusters and nanoparticles-based catalysts, with identification of cooperative effects.

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