The applications of copper (Cu) and Cu-based nanoparticles, which are based on the earth-abundant and inexpensive copper metal, have generated a great deal of interest in recent years, especially in the field of catalysis. The possible modification of the chemical and physical properties of these nanoparticles using different synthetic strategies and conditions and/or via postsynthetic chemical treatments has been largely responsible for the rapid growth of interest in these nanomaterials and their applications in catalysis. In addition, the design and development of novel support and/or multimetallic systems (e.g., alloys, etc.) has also made significant contributions to the field. In this comprehensive review, we report different synthetic approaches to Cu and Cu-based nanoparticles (metallic copper, copper oxides, and hybrid copper nanostructures) and copper nanoparticles immobilized into or supported on various support materials (SiO2, magnetic support materials, etc.), along with their applications i...

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00482

Cu and Cu-Based Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Applications in Catalysis.

The Golden Age of Transfer Hydrogenation

Great attention has been given to metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)-derived solid bases because of their attractive structure and catalytic performance in various organic reactions. The extraordinary skeleton structure of MOFs provides many possibilities for incorporation of diverse basic functionalities, which is unachievable for conventional solid bases. The past decade has witnessed remarkable advances in this vibrant research area; however, MOFs for heterogeneous basic catalysis have never been reviewed until now. Therefore, a review summarizing MOFs-derived base catalysts is highly expected. In this review, we present an overview of the recent progress in MOFs-derived solid bases covering preparation, characterization, and catalytic applications. In the preparation section, the solid bases are divided into two categories, namely, MOFs with intrinsic basicity and MOFs with modified basicity. The basicity can originate from either metal sites or organic ligands. Different approaches used for generation o...

Metal-Organic Frameworks for Heterogeneous Basic Catalysis.

Surface functionalization of nano-magnetic nanoparticles is a well-designed way to bridge the gap between heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis. The introduction of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in a variety of solid matrices allows the combination of well-known procedures for catalyst heterogenization with techniques for magnetic separation. Magnetite is a well-known material, also known as ferrite (Fe3O4), and can be used as a versatile support for functionalization of metals, organocatalysts, N-heterocyclic carbenes, and chiral catalysts. It is used as a support for important homogeneous catalytically active metals such as Pd, Pt, Cu, Ni, Co, Ir, etc. to obtain stable and magnetically recyclable heterogeneous catalysts. Homogeneous organocatalysts can be successfully decorated with linkers/ligands on the surface of magnetite or alternatively the organocatalysts can be directly immobilized on the surface of magnetite. The functionalized magnetically retrievable catalysts or nanocatalysts that are increasingly being used in catalysis, green chemistry and pharmaceutically significant reactions are summarized in this review.

Nano-magnetite (Fe3O4) as a support for recyclable catalysts in the development of sustainable methodologies

The application of the twelve principles of green chemistry in nanoparticle synthesis is a relatively new emerging issue concerning the sustainability. This field has received great attention in recent years due to its capability to design alternative, safer, energy efficient, and less toxic routes towards synthesis. These routes have been associated with the rational utilization of various substances in the nanoparticle preparations and synthetic methods, which have been broadly discussed in this tutorial review. This article is not meant to provide an exhaustive overview of green synthesis of nanoparticles, but to present several pivotal aspects of synthesis with environmental concerns, involving the selection and evaluation of nontoxic capping and reducing agents, the choice of innocuous solvents and the development of energy-efficient synthetic methods.

Green chemistry for nanoparticle synthesis

Magnetically retrievable catalysts for organic synthesis

Microwave, ultrasound, sunlight and mechanochemical mixing can be used to augment conventional laboratory techniques. By applying these alternative means of activation, a number of chemical transformations have been achieved thereby improving many existing protocols with superior results when compared to reactions performed under traditional conditions. The purpose of this critical review is to highlight the advances in this general area by presenting such newer applications in organic synthesis (175 references).

R. B. Nasir Baig

Papers

Magnetically retrievable catalysts for organic synthesis

Alternative energy input: mechanochemical, microwave and ultrasound-assisted organic synthesis

Organic synthesis via magnetic attraction: benign and sustainable protocols using magnetic nanoferrites

Copper on chitosan: a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions in water

A highly active magnetically recoverable nano ferrite-glutathione-copper (nano-FGT-Cu) catalyst for Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions