The design of selective catalysts from hybrid silica-based materials

The sol-gel processing of appropriated molecular precursors easily leads to a variety of mixed materials. Silica-based organic-inorganic hybrids constitute a very versatile class of solids. Their preparation in a controlled way can lead to materials with intrinsic properties. This paper will concentrate on the potential uses of hybrids for the preparation of catalytic materials by design. It offers unique possibilities (i) to obtain dispersed metal species or particles on oxide supports; (ii) to control the pore structure of the catalytic material; and (iii) to prepare new hybrid supports with selective properties. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.