Carbocatalysis: The State of “Metal‐Free” Catalysis

Abstract

The rise in global demand for crucial chemical compounds has driven immense research in the fundamental science of catalysis. Graphene and its derivatives (chemically modified graphene, CMGs) have recently emerged as a new class of heterogeneous catalyst that promises economically viable and greener routes to these compounds. Although CMGs possess unique catalytic properties, the actual active sites are often points of discussion. Current minimal understanding on the possible effects of metallic impurities on the electrocatalytic performances of these CMGs calls forth the need to raise awareness on possible metallic impurities misrepresenting the actual chemical catalytic performances of the CMGs. This Minireview highlights the latest advances in the application of CMGs as catalysts, with an emphasis on the possible effects of metallic impurities on CMG catalysis.

Catalysis by hybrid sp2/sp3nanodiamonds and their role in the design of advanced nanocarbon materials

“…Metal-free carbocatalysis 1,24,35,39,40,49,[70][71][72][73][74][75][76] has inspired many studies in recent years, but most centred on the use of functional sp 2 -type nanocarbons, such as graphene and CNT families. Less attention has been instead paid to other types of nanocarbon materials, particularly to sp 3 -hybridized ultradispersed nanodiamonds (NDs) and their derivatives (UNDDs), including sp 3 /sp 2 -hybridized bucky nanodiamonds (BNDs) and sp 2 -hybridized onion-like carbons (OLCs).…”

FACILE FUNCTIONALIZATION OF sp2 CARBON ALLOTROPES WITH A BIOBASED JANUS MOLECULE

“…In the light of what is reported so far, it could be hypothesized as follows: SP is oxidized by air at high temperature, thanks to the presence of the carbon allotrope, which is indeed an oxidation catalyst. 95,96 Oxidized SP could give rise to a Diels-Alder reaction with the graphitic substrate. This reaction could justify the reduction of peak at 802 cm À1 in the IR spectrum, due to C¼C bonds.…”

Reduction of C═C Double Bonds by Hydrazine Using Active Carbons as Metal-Free Catalysts

“…4,5 In this regard, the use of carbon catalysts is attracting considerable attention and one of the targets being to show the scope of this type of catalysts and particularly to apply them in reactions typically carried out by transition metals. [6][7][8] In this context, the use of activated carbons as catalysts in the absence of added transition metals was known since long time ago, but mainly limited to the oxidation of pollutants, particularly NOx in gas-phase. 9,10 Due to its wide availability and sustainability, active carbons coming from biomass waste are appealing materials to develop metal-free catalysts.…”