Role of Carbon Nanotubes as Supported Metal-Nanoparticles Catalysis

Abstract

The unique tubular morphology of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has fascinated scientists and attracted widespread research interest in the last few decades. Ever since its discovery in 1991, CNTs have found diverse commercial applications in almost all areas of science and technology, ranging from rechargeable batteries, energy storage, environmental remediation, and biotechnology to automotive parts and sporting goods. Their unique features, including a large specific surface area, chemical inertness, and high oxidative stability, have contributed to their widespread use as catalysis supports. The contributions of CNTs as supports in heterogeneous catalysis are discussed in this chapter. Recent investigations on the preparation and morphological characterization of various metal/metal oxide particles on CNTs are discussed. The potential applications of CNT as catalyst supports in heterogeneous catalysis are also explored in this chapter. According to reports in the literature, CNTs are a promising material for use as supports in various catalytic processes, contributing to a greener environment by providing ligandless, recyclable, 28cheaper catalysts with good activity in catalytic reactions using solventless/ environmentally benign solvents at lower/ambient pressure/temperature conditions.