POLYMER-IMMOBILIZED NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR STUDY IN CATALYSIS

Abstract

Nanocatalysis, particularly metal nanoparticles surrounded by polymers, is an actively developing field in modern catalysis. It is often considered an intermediate field between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Thus nanocatalysis emerged from the direct relationship between these two forms of catalysis. Synthesized nanocatalysts are used as catalysts in both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic processes. Nanoparticles made of metals, often referred to as nanostructures are actively researched due to their wide range of applications in various fields, such as catalysis, electronics, sensors, and medicine. Metal nanoparticles have a high specific surface area and are therefore as effective as homogeneous catalysts. On the other hand, they are characterized by a high ratio of metal atoms on the surface, which can act as potential active sites that is significantly higher than conventional heterogeneous catalysts. There are various methods of synthesis of nanocomposites, and from a view of perspectiveness, the method of simultaneous occurrence of nanoparticles and polymerization is most often used. The principle of interaction of the polymer with nanoparticles is carried out in two ways: physical (Vander-Waals forces, dipole interaction or weak, easily broken hydrogen bonds) and chemical adsorption. These catalysts contain nanomaterials as carriers along with metal nanoparticles. A number of properties of the obtained catalysts are studied, such as high efficiency, selectivity, durability, easy recovery, recyclability. Synthesis methods of polymer-immobilized nanoparticles and the study of their properties as catalysts are reflected in the presented brief review.