Heterogenisation of soluble metal complexes on solid supports

Metal complexes are widely recognized for their high catalytic activity and well-defined molecular structures, which allow precise control over reactivity and selectivity. However, despite these advantages, homogeneous metal complexes often suffer from practical limitations, including difficult separation from reaction products, limited catalyst recovery, and poor long-term recyclability. In contrast, heterogeneous catalysts offer operational benefits such as ease of separation, improved stability, and reusability, but they frequently lack the molecular-level tunability and mechanistic clarity of homogeneous systems. Bridging the gap between these two catalytic paradigms has therefore become an important goal in modern catalysis.

The heterogenization of metal complexes on solid supports represents an effective strategy to combine the strengths of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. By immobilizing well-defined metal complexes onto suitable solid materials, it is possible to retain the intrinsic activity and selectivity of molecular catalysts while simultaneously enabling facile recovery and reuse. This approach can lead to enhanced catalytic efficiency, improved durability under reaction conditions, and reduced metal leaching, all of which are critical for practical applications.

Moreover, heterogenized metal catalysts contribute significantly to sustainability and green chemistry. The ability to recycle catalysts minimizes waste generation and lowers the overall consumption of often scarce and expensive precious metals. In addition, solid-supported systems can simplify process design and reduce the environmental footprint of catalytic transformations, making them more attractive for industrial implementation.

This talk will present the author’s recent work on the heterogenization of metal complexes on solid supports, with a particular focus on carbon-based materials. The unique structural, electronic, and surface properties of carbon materials make them especially promising platforms for the development of robust, efficient, and sustainable catalytic systems.