Advanced synthesis for advancing heterogeneous catalysis

There are tremendous needs and opportunities for the understanding and application of heterogeneous catalysis in the solution of vexing technological problems. Nanoscale, catalytically active phases, particularly metal nanoparticles and metal oxide clusters, supported on high surface area oxides (supported catalysts) are one of the most important classes of heterogeneous catalysts. The problem of inhomogeneity and the limits it places on the understanding of catalytic chemistry has led to substantial efforts to produce more uniform catalyst systems via more synthetic control. This article highlights an approach adopted at Argonne National Laboratory for the synthesis of uniform supported metal and oxide particles. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.