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 const itute a very versatile class of solids. Their preparation in a controlled w ay can lead to materials with intrinsic properties. This paper will concent rate on the potential uses of hybrids for the preparation of catalytic mate rials by design. It offers unique possibilities (i) to obtain dispersed met al species or particles on oxide supports; (ii) to control the pore structu re of the catalytic material; and (iii) to prepare new hybrid supports with selective properties. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.