Solid Catalysts on the Nanoscale: Design of Complex Morphologies and Pore Structures

Heterogeneous Catalysis is undoubtedly a key technology in modern chemical industry. Nowadays, most processes in chemical production are catalyzed by solid catalysts. It is thus not surprising that researchers worldwide try to improve existing catalysts or to develop completely new ones. The performance of solid catalysts is determined by their composition but to a great extent also by morphological properties. Control of particle shape and pore topology are thus crucial factors for high performance catalysts. Many interesting approaches have been reported in recent years and the present contribution tries to summarize some of them. The choice of materials and preparation procedures is not comprehensive by a long way, but represents a selection of highly interesting approaches, including bottom-up approaches as well as post-synthesis modifications.