The role of carbon materials in heterogeneous catalysis

The increasing importance of carbon materials in catalytic processes is analyzed in terms of the most important characteristics of these materials when acting as catalysts or catalyst supports. Thus, surface area, porosity, chemical inertness and oxygen surface groups affect not only the preparation, but also influence the resistance to sintering and the catalytic activity and selectivity of the catalyst. Several series of catalysts, mainly carbon-supported catalysts, are used to show the possible advantages of carbon as support and the series of variables to be taken into account when selecting a carbon as catalyst support for a given reaction. The role of carbon properties when acting as a catalyst in its own right is also analyzed.