Preface

The socio-economic and environmental impacts of sustainable chemistry cannot be overlooked. Catalysis stands at the front of sustainable chemistry and opens doors in many fields of application. Catalysts should exhibit a high activity, selectivity and stability and researchers and industry seek more efficient, environmental-friendly processes. Although they can rely on a well-established scientific basis for catalyst preparation, mostly based on petroleum refining and classic organic synthesis procedures, novel catalyst materials require further conceptualization and functionalization to perform their role better in existing and future processes. At present, the design of nanocatalyst materials is not fully based on rational concepts and often intense research efforts are required to go beyond the trial and error approach to find a way out of the ‘black box’. Catalyst materials are classified as being homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts; for nanocatalysts this classical separation becomes rather blurry. Science and technology are like brothers in arms; this is particularly true in the field of nanoscience. Nanotechnology has provided new concepts and interesting opportunities in many research fields, such as cancer diagnosis and therapy, the design of novel materials, and particularly in catalysis. Nanotechnology can provide advanced building techniques to the research toolbox for those who wish to transfer their conceptual ideas from design to synthesis. The researcher should also dispose of advanced analytical techniques to reflect on their achievements and to understand what is happening at the nanoscale of the as-prepared and used catalysts. The fields of application for nanocatalysts in sustainable chemistry include green chemistry, biorefineries, energy conversion and storage, reforming and sensing. Although many other catalytic applications exist, this book will provide insight and inspiration in these particular areas.

Rafael Luque and Pepijn Prinsen