Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon: Catalysis beyond Electrochemistry

Metal nanoparticles deposited on N-doped carbon materials have emerged as novel catalysts for various organic transformations. In this Minireview, strategies for the synthesis of metal composites on N-doped carbon supports and their state-of-the-art characterization are briefly described. The catalytic application of these fascinating materials in several industrially relevant reactions, including oxidations, hydrogenations, Fischer-Tropsch syntheses, and H-2 generation, is also summarized. Furthermore, the effects of nitrogen incorporation on the different catalytic systems are highlighted.