Polydopamine - its Prolific Use as Catalyst and Support Material

Polydopamine is a mussel-inspired functional material with a unique ability to form surface coatings. It is a green, environmentally benign product available very easily for a multitude of varied applications. This review attempts to collect useful information with respect to polydopamine-based catalytic studies with the use of polydopamine and modified polydopamine preparations loaded with varied catalytically active species including metal ions and metal particles. Major sections are about the use of polydopamine as catalyst material, utilization of immobilized enzymes, removal of toxic materials, results in organic synthesis, and fuel cell applications. A few examples of chiral catalysis and results of recycling studies are also treated. Data collected and analyzed indicate the importance and high potential of polydopamine-based catalysts in sustainable chemistry.