Catalysis by metal nanoparticles supported on functional organic polymers

The preparation and catalytic applications of dispersed metal catalysts supported on organic functional polymers are presented. The advantages of these catalysts, such as the easy tailoring with respect to the nature of the used support, the "nanoscale" size control of metal crystallites by the polymer framework, the high accessibility and consequent catalytic activity in a proper liquid or liquid-vapor reaction systems are stressed. Various proposed catalytic processes making use of these materials are presented and evaluated, including multifunctional catalysis, e.g. redox-acid. Interesting peculiar aspects such as the enhancement of the hydrogenation rate by nitrogen containing moieties anchored to the polymer backbone are emphasised. When suitable, a comparison with catalysts based on inorganic supports is given. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.