One of the most fascinating aspects of catalysis is the possibility to accelerate reactions selectively by the judicious choice of the reactive-site environment. Heterogeneous single-site catalysts, as pioneered by the awardee Prof. J.M. Thomas, combine the elegance of rationally engineered sites with the advantages inherent in heterogeneous catalysis. The new catalytic systems, based on single-site principles, that will be discussed here include: An ab-initio designed non-nobel metal germanate catalyst for the highly selective (100% within exp. error) decomposition of formic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Such a catalytic system could work to supply hydrogen to fuel cells from a liquid source. A new non-metal photocatalysts for water splitting, using modified carbon nitride and doped graphene co-catalysts, pointing towards exciting possibilities and new pathways in photocatalysis. Ensembles of ionic liquids working co-operatively to accelerate nucleophilic substitutions, explaining some of the unusual reactivities observed in ionic liquids, and finally An example showcasing the possibility of amorphous alloy nanoparticle characterisation in three-dimensions with atomic resolution, i.e. single-crystal-like structural information from an amorphous material. Overall, the aim is to highlight, in the spirit of the awardee, the breadth, the wonder and the excitement that is catalysis.

From single sites to nanostructured assemblies: Designing tools for high-precision chemical transformations

249th National Meeting (2015)

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