Heterogeneous catalysts are a staple in the chemical industry; their thermal stability and ability to withstand harsh reaction conditions provide a powerful means of generating resources at a large scale. Though compelling in this regard, many current industrial heterogeneous catalysts lack a means for rational improvement. They are ill-defined, containing either a low number of active sites, or in some cases unknown identity of active sites. The recent advancements in surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC) have allowed for the development of molecularly defined heterogeneous catalysts typically based on oxide supports from which structure-activity relationships can be readily developed. SOMC applies principles of homogenous chemistry to develop well-defined heterogeneous catalysts. The surface chemistry of immobilized organometallic-niobium complexes on partially dehydroxylated silica, including their characterization by multiple spectroscopic techniques, will be discussed. The application of these materials in heterogeneous catalysis targeting the selective activation and conversion of C-H and C-C bonds will be described.

Silica supported niobium sites tailored for hydrocarbon conversion

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