Design of Hollow Structured Nanoreactors for Liquid-Phase Hydrogenations

Abstract

Inspired by the charming structures and functions of natural matter (such as cell, organel and enzyme), chemists constantly explore innovative materials platform to mimic natural catalytic systems, particularly liquid-phase hydrogenations, which are of great significance for chemical upgrading and synthesis. Hollow structured nanoreactors (HSNRs), featuring unique nanoarchitectures and advantageous properties, offer new opportunities for achieving excellent catalytic activity, selectivity, stability and sustainability. Notwithstanding great processes have been made in HSNRs, it still remains the challenges of precise synthetic chemistry, mesoscale catalytic kinetic investigation as well as smart catalysis. To this extent, we overview the recent developments in the synthetic chemistry of HSNRs, unique characteristics of these materials, and catalytic mechanisms in HSNRs. Finally, a brief outlook, challenges and further opportunities of their synthetic methodologies and catalytic application are discussed. This review might promote the further creation of HSNRs, realize sustainable production of fine chemicals and phamarcuticals, and contribute to the development of materials science.