Latest developments in the catalytic application of nanoscaled neutral Group 8-10 metals

In the last few decades, the synthesis and catalytic application of nanoscaled particles prepared from Group 8-10 (formerly Group VIIIB) elements have been widely explored and have achieved promising results. The innovative use of these nanoparticle catalysts may provide new opportunities in the efficient combination of conventionally used homogenous and heterogeneous catalysts. Conventional homogeneous catalysts pose extraction and recycling difficulties when dealing with metal complexes and/or ligands, whereas heterogeneous catalysts generally require more pressing experimental conditions, such as high temperatures and high pressures, to be effective. Therefore, to solve these problems, the synthesis and use of nanoparticle catalysts as replacements for conventional catalytic systems is a breakthrough owing to their improved handling and environmental and economic aspects. This Focus Review primarily addresses the catalytic applications of neutral Group 8-10 nanoparticles with an average size of less than 10 nm, and also includes a discussion of commonly used synthetic methodology.