Immobilizing catalysts on porous materials

Abstract

Significant advances in the immobilization of homogeneous and enzyme catalysts on ordered mesoporous materials (OMM), were described. Ordered mesoporous silicas provide excellent opportunities for the immobilization of both homogeneous and enzyme catalysts via covalent binding because of the availability of well-defined silanol groups. A homogeneous catalyst can be immobilized on the surface of OMMs during hydrothermal synthesis. Meanwhile, electrostatic interaction between the homogeneous catalyst and support has been shown to be sufficiently strong to minimize leaching. Enzymes immobilized on OMMs exhibit not only improved stability and reusability, but also enhanced activity.