Nanoporous Carbon: Liquid-Free Synthesis and Geometry-Dependent Catalytic Performance.

Nanostructured carbons with different pore geometries are prepared with a liquid-free nanocasting method. The method uses gases instead of liquid to disperse carbon precursors, leach templates, and remove impurities, minimizing synthetic procedures and the use of chemicals. The method is universal and demonstrated by the synthesis of 12 different porous carbons with various template sources.

Shape-Controlled Nanoparticles in Pore-Confined Space.

Increasing the catalyst's stability and activity are one of the main quests in catalysis. Tailoring crystal surfaces to a specific reaction has demonstrated to be a very effective way in increasing the catalyst's specific activity. Shape controlled nanoparticles with specific crystal facets are usually grown kinetically and are highly susceptible to morphological changes during the reaction due to agglomeration, metal dissolution, or Ostwald ripening.

Hollow Nano- and Microstructures as Catalysts.

Catalysis is at the core of almost every established and emerging chemical process and also plays a central role in the quest for novel technologies for the sustainable production and conversion of energy. Particularly since the early 2000s, a great surge of interest exists in the design and application of micro- and nanometer-sized materials with hollow interiors as solid catalysts. This review provides an updated and critical survey of the ever-expanding material architectures and applications of hollow structures in all branches of catalysis, including bio-, electro-, and photocatalysis.