Dendrimer-Encapsulated Metal Nanoparticles Synthesis and Application in Catalysis

Dendrimer-Encapsulated Metal Nanoparticles Synthesis and Application in Catalysis 

Dendrimers are a category of macromolecules that have a central core surrounded by hyperbranched repetitive units. Dendrimers have versatile structures and chemical properties because the core, the branches, and the external surface can have different functions. The hyperbranched structure of dendrimers distinguishes them from other macromolecules or polymers. For example, dendrimers have large number of end groups as well as higher concentrations of nanoporous channels and cavities because the number of dendrimer end groups increases faster than the surface area. 

Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, 2760 Gilman HaU, Ames, lA 50011-3111, USA e-mail whuang iastate.edu 

Park (ed.). Current Trends of Surface Science and Catalysis, 

In general, homogeneous catalysts are more efficient than heterogeneous catalysts. Heterogeneous catalysts, on the other hand, are insoluble in solution and can thus be easily separated from the reaction solution by filtration. Heterogeneous catalysis is also more robust in continuous flow processes, which is preferred for large-scale industrial production processes. Dendrimer-based homogeneous 

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