Catalysis by metallic nanoparticles: the good and the bad

We survey our group's work in the nanocatalysis field and examine both the good attractive qualities of nanocatalysts as well as some drawbacks that need to be overcome. We discuss the catalysis of the Suzuki reaction between phenylboronic acid and iodobenzene to form biphenyl with palladium nanoparticles and highlight the effect of stabilizers and nanoparticle size on the catalytic activity, the effect of the catalytic process on the nanoparticle size, and their recycling potential. We also discuss the catalysis of the electron transfer reaction between hexacyanoferrate (III) ions and thiosulfate ions to form hexacyanoferrate (II) ions and tetrathionate ions with platinum nanoparticles and highlight the effect of nanoparticle shape on the catalytic activity, the effect of the catalytic process on the nanoparticle shape, the effect of nanoparticle shape distortions on the catalytic activity, and the effect of individual reactants on the nanoparticle shape.