Dendrimer-Encapsulated Metal Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Application in Catalysis

Abstract

This review discusses the most recent advancements in understanding the structure of nanoparticles encapsulated in polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. After a brief discussion of different synthesis techniques used to prepare dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs), we focus on the structure parameters that are fundamentally important for the application of DENs in catalysis, such as the oxidation state of Pt ions inside PAMAM dendrimers after reduction treatment. We also discuss several recently developed applications of DENs in catalysis, including the conversion of a homogeneous catalytic reaction to a heterogeneous one. This change allows the application of these nanoparticles in a liquid-phase continuous flow reactor. We also discuss two recent examples using Au and Cu DENs to enhance the diastereoselectivity and chemoselectivity of chemical reactions, respectively. A deep understanding of DEN structures is vitally important for the design of superior catalysts based on DENs for important chemical conversions.