Preface

Metals, metal oxides and to some extent sulfides can be claimed to be the pillars of industrial catalysis. In this book, attention is directed towards metal carbides, nitrides and phosphides, as well as amorphous boron alloys that, arguably, have been less well studied although they are the focus of increasing attention. Initial interest, which was predominantly directed towards metal carbides, sought to draw parallels between their catalytic behaviour and that of precious metals such as platinum and palladium. Such interest continues today in terms of some of the material classes covered in this book acting as cheaper potential alternatives. The recent expansion in the area of research centring upon electrocatalytic process and materials has spurred much of this. However, it is important not to draw this analogy too strongly and to recognise each material class covered as possessing distinct and interesting performance in their own right. Such an approach can lead to the development of new and interesting applications and future directions of research. Through a series of review-type chapters, this book details various aspects of their preparation and application to provide an indication of the current state of the interest in, and range of applications for, the materials detailed.

In putting this book together, we wish to express our appreciation to all those who have contributed chapters. We are most grateful for their contribution to this project and for the timely manner in which they have submitted their chapters. We would also like to thank the editorial and production staff from the Royal Society of Chemistry for their very kind assistance throughout the commissioning and production process and in particular we acknowledge the contributions of Helen Armes and Connor Sheppard in this regard.

J. S. J. Hargreaves, S. Laassiri and A. R. McFarlane

Glasgow