Nanocatalysts in Oxidation and Sulfoxidation Reactions

Nanocatylysis involves the use of nanomaterials as catalysts for a range of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic reactions. They present alternative solutions to the increasing and challenging demands for the improvement of catalytic performance, such as high efficiency and selectivity, stability, and easy recovery/recycling. Oxidation and sulfoxidation reactions are important classes of catalytic reactions in industry. Though a range of different catalysts have been tested for these reactions, costly catalyst, difficult catalyst recovery, and large amounts of waste generated are some of the challenges faced. This chapter summarizes metal and metal-oxide nanocatalysts for oxidation and sulfoxidation reactions, while also bringing into perspective their industrial applications as well as the ecofriendly features of the various catalysts. Nanocatalysts here presented are free, anchored on a support or in the form of a composite that have shown appreciable activity as well as being selective for a range of oxidation and sulfoxidation reactions.