Rational Catalyst Design via Imprinted Nanostructured Materials

Abstract

Progress on the use of imprinting (templating) for the synthesis of nanostructured catalysts is reviewed. In the context of providing a foundation for synthetic mimics, the basic principles of enzyme catalysis are enumerated. With these paradigms in mind, catalytic antibodies, imprinted polymers, imprinted amorphous metal oxides, and zeolites are discussed with respect to their preparation procedures and catalytic properties. These synthetic catalysts are contrasted to one another in order to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each system. Suggestions for future work on preparing enzyme-mimicking materials by imprinting are provided.