Frontispiece: A Perspective on Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Selective Oxidation of Alcohols

Abstract

In the processes for synthesis of fine chemicals, selective oxidation of alcohols, especially the higher ones, is of great importance. In this regard, heterogeneous catalysts have been applied in different approaches namely, thermocatalysis, electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. Metal- and oxide-based catalysts have been used within these approaches, and despite of advances in the preparation of efficient, there is still a lack of understanding about their dynamics considering the complexity of the catalysts’ surfaces and the mechanism of the reactions. Therefore, it is essential to unravel these properties using advanced operando characterization. In this mini-review, we gathered some of more important works in the field with the aim to give a perspective on the existing challenges needed to provide a fundamental understanding of the catalysts under different reaction conditions. For more information, see the Minireview by S. Najafishirtari, M. Behrens et al. on page 16809.