Catalytically Active Metal Nanoclusters Inside Cross-linked Functional Polymers:An Overview

1 Results Metal (0) nanoclusters (MNs), "strange morsels of matter"1], are nanosized systems that are crucial components of industrially relevant catalysts (e. g. NH3 synthesis, catalytic reforming of alkanes, etc.). In recent years MNs have attracted an unprecedented attention among researchers acting in University, Scheme 1 Graphical model for the generation of size-controlled Pd0 nanoclusters inside metallated resins.a) PdⅡ is homogeneously dispersed inside the polymerGovernmental Institutions and Industry2] and when MNs are to be utilized for catalytic purposes, their dispersion onto suitable supports is mandatory. We have started in the early nineties a long-prospects project aimed at supporting the choice of employing cross-linked functional polymers as supports of M0 nanoclusters to give M0/CFPs catalysts suitable to be utilized in the liquid phase (Scheme 13]). The major prospects offered by these catalysts are a) facile preparation, b) multi-functionality (exemplified by the current industrial synthesis of methyl isobutyl ketone from acetone and dihydrogen), c) re-usability, d) lack of pyrophoricity, e) easiness in obtaining polymetallic nanoclusters or nanoaggregates2], f) reasonable chemical, thermal and mechanical stability2]. A thorough account on the synthesis, chemistry and catalytic activity of M0/CFPs materials is available in Ref.2].