Allotropic Carbon Nanoforms as Advanced Metal-Free Catalysts or as Supports

Abstract

This perspective paper summarizes the use of three nanostructured carbon allotropes as metal-free catalysts (“carbocatalysts”) or as supports of metal nanoparticles. After an introductory section commenting the interest of developing metal-free catalysts and main features of carbon nanoforms, the main body of this paper is focused on exemplifying the opportunities that carbon nanotubes, graphene, and diamond nanoparticles offer to develop advanced catalysts having active sites based on carbon in the absence of transition metals or as large area supports with special morphology and unique properties. The final section provides my personal view on future developments in this field.