Spontaneous Monolayer Dispersion of Oxides and Salts onto Surfaces of Supports: Applications to Heterogeneous Catalysis

The forms of active components present in heterogeneous catalysts are of importance to catalysis. A supported catalyst usually consists of an active component dispersed on a support with a highly specific surface. An active component dispersed on a support may end up in one of three forms: (1) it may retain its chemical identity as a separate crystalline or amorphous phase, (2) it may form a new stoichiometric compound with the support or additive, or (3) it may dissolve in the support to give a solid solution. This chapter provides a review of various aspects of the phenomenon of spontaneous monolayer dispersion, its nature, effects, and applications. Spontaneous monolayer dispersion of compounds on supports is a widespread phenomenon and displays many unique effects. The principles involved have applications not only to heterogeneous catalysis, but also to materials science and other related fields.