Metal-support interaction and catalysis of the catalysts prepared using microemulsion

We have developed a new preparation method (ME method) of supported metal catalysts by using microemulsion. The metal particles in the catalyst prepared by this method were interacted strongly with support and were considered to be positively charged, and the SiO2-supported Rh and Fe catalysts prepared by this method exhibited a unique activity and a good selectivity to oxygenates in the hydrogenation of CO. The Al2O3-supported Ni catalyst also exhibited an excellent activity and a strong resistance to carbon deposition in the methane-steam reforming. In this review, these interesting catalytic behaviors of the catalysts prepared by ME method were elucidated from the view-point of the electronic state of metals.