Rh-Based Nanocatalysts for Heterogeneous Reactions

Rhodium (Rh) is well-known for its catalytic application in diverse industrial reactions such as methane conversion, hydrogen generation, and olefin hydroformylation. Compared to homogeneous catalysts, heterogeneous Rh-based nanocatalysts are facilely separated and collected after reactions, thus being more compatible for industrialization. To this end, the development of active and stable heterogeneous Rh-based catalysts has received everlasting interest. In this review, we focus on the synthesis and catalytic application of Rh-based nanocatalysts for heterogeneous catalysis. Recent efforts in the design and fabrication of Rh-based nanocatalysts are highlighted. Various synthetic strategies and protocols for shape-controlled synthesis of Rh-based nanocrystals and supported Rh-based nanocatalysts are overviewed. In addition, we introduce methane conversion, hydrogen generation, and olefin hydroformylation as three typical catalytic applications of the Rh-based nanocatalysts, and provide insights into the catalytic mechanisms involved. The remaining challenges and future prospects for the Rh-based heterogeneous nanocatalysts are also discussed. This review offers a guideline for future research on Rh-based nanocatalysts for heterogeneous catalysis.