Understanding Heteroatom-Mediated Metal–Support Interactions in Functionalized Carbons: A Perspective Review

Carbon-based materials show unique chemicophysical properties, and they have been successfully used in many catalytic processes, including the production of chemicals and energy. The introduction of heteroatoms (N, B, P, S) alters the electronic properties, often increasing the reactivity of the surface of nanocarbons. The functional groups on the carbons have been reported to be effective for anchoring metal nanoparticles. Although the interaction between functional groups and metal has been studied by various characterization techniques, theoretical models, and catalytic results, the role and nature of heteroatoms is still an object of discussion. The aim of this review is to elucidate the metal-heteroatoms interaction, providing an overview of the main experimental and theoretical outcomes about heteroatom-mediated metal-support interactions. Selected studies showing the effect of heteroatom-metal interaction in the liquid-phase alcohol oxidation will be also presented.