Improved Catalytic Performances of Supported Catalysts

The immobilization of homogeneous catalysts on supports is used to facilitate the catalyst separation from reaction mixtures and their recycling. In addition to this practical merit, some reports have demonstrated that the immobilization of a catalyst can also positively influence catalytic performance (increase in catalytic activity, stability and selectivity). In this chapter, the positive effects of immobilization on catalytic efficiency are discussed in terms of site-isolation, steric constraints, cooperation effect and imprinting effects, etc., with the aim to understand as to how such effects lead to positive changes in catalytic properties.