Adsorption, catalysis, and reactions on the surfaces of metal nano-oxides

Nanomaterials based on metal oxides are considered. Special attention is given to adsorption, because this step determines physicochemical properties of nanostructured materials. The main processes are considered that occur on the surface of metal nano-oxides in the course of adsorption and the nature of chemoresistance. A model is presented that explains the increasing sensitivity of semiconductor sensor materials with a decrease in the grain size. The potential of the use of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in catalysis and photocatalysis is discussed. Examples are given for the selective synthesis of α-mercaptopyridine on the surface of TiO2 with supported silver nanoparticles with a diameter of <1 nm. Possible problems that might appear when nanoparticles are used in large-scale manufactures are discussed. Promising examples of the use of magnesium and calcium oxide nanoparticles for the destruction of toxic substances, specifically 3,3-dimethyl-2- butylmethylphosphoxofluoride and dichloroethyl sulfide at room temperature are analyzed. The method of cryoformation is considered that makes it possible to create new nanomaterials for use in catalysis, in gas sensors, and for modifying pharmaceuticals to reach a higher biological activity. © 2010 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.