Graphitized nanocarbon-supported metal catalysts: synthesis, properties, and applications in heterogeneous catalysis

Graphitized nanocarbon materials can be an ideal catalyst support for heterogeneous catalytic systems. Their unique physical and chemical properties, such as large surface area, high adsorption capacity, excellent thermal and mechanical stability, outstanding electronic properties, and tunable porosity, allow the anchoring and dispersion of the active metals. Therefore, currently they are used as the key support material in many catalytic processes. This review summarizes recent relevant applications in supported catalysts that use graphitized nanocarbon as supports for catalytic oxidation, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, and C-C coupling reactions in liquid-phase and gas-solid phase-reaction systems. The latest developments in specific features derived from the morphology and characteristics of graphitized nanocarbon-supported metal catalysts are highlighted, as well as the differences in the catalytic behavior of graphitized nanocarbon-supported metal catalysts versus other related catalysts. The scientific challenges and opportunities in this field are also discussed.