Self-Assembled Materials for Catalysis

Hybrid catalysts composed of inherently insoluble compounds (defined as heterogeneous components) and inherently soluble compounds (defined as homogeneous components) are promising materials because these catalysts are expected to realize both the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. In order to construct effective catalysts, uniform and precise catalyst design at the molecular level is essential, and self-assembly will be an efficient method for the purpose. Many self-assembled heterogeneous-homogeneous hybrid catalysts have been reported, and the synergistic effect between homogeneous and heterogeneous components on the catalyst performance was often observed. In this review, we highlight the self-assembled heterogeneous-homogeneous catalysts such as nanoparticles modified with self-assembled monolayers, nanoparticles modified with linear polymers, nanoparticles modified with dendrimers, organic-inorganic hybrid porous materials, supported metals modified with organic modifiers, and metal oxides modified with organic modifiers and summarize the property of the materials. In addition, the synergistic effect between homogeneous and heterogeneous components is also reviewed focusing on interaction of homogeneous components and the active sites (typically metal species) of heterogeneous components and interaction between homogeneous components and reactants.