Recent progress in synthesis and application of zeolite-encapsulated metal catalysts

The [email protected] composite materials consist of metal nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated in the zeolite crystals, and possess the metal-acid bifunctionality and shape-selective micropores. In recent years, numerous encapsulated [email protected] with excellent performance have been reported. This review discusses the most recent studies published in the last 3 years. The catalytic activity, anti-leaching, anti-migration, and anti-sintering properties of the metal NPs have been significantly improved by applying different strategies of encapsulation. The [email protected] catalysts exhibit excellent properties such as high activity, shape-selectivity and thermal stability and thus have attracted great attention both in preparation of catalysts and their application to industrially relevant reactions. We summarize various strategies for encapsulation of metal NPs in different zeolites, and briefly discuss the applications in various reactions including hydrogenation, oxidation, reforming, coupling, and degradation; highlighting the role of activity, stability, and selectivity. We also point out some related problems and challenges in the field of zeolite-encapsulated metal catalysts.