Combining homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis
Can you make a catalyst that has the stability and recyclability of a heterogeneous one with the selectivity of a homogeneous one? Rachel Brazil talks to the scientists finding out
Heterogeneous catalysts are active, stable and easy to recycle; homogeneous ones are very selective. Trying to anchor molecular catalysts on supports rarely gives the performance hoped for, so chemists are looking at other options, including dendrimers, alloys and ionic liquids.