Liquid-Phase Epoxidation of Light Olefins over W and Nb Nanocatalysts

Epoxides are among the most important essential building blocks with wide downstream applications in the chemical industry. In this context, rational design of cost-effective catalysts is critical to achieve high atom efficiency during epoxidation processes. Therefore, in this perspective, recent research progress on heterogeneous W and Nb nanocatalysts for facile liquid-phase epoxidation will be critically reviewed in terms of catalyst synthesis, surface characterization and structure–function relationship. Furthermore, plausible mechanisms for liquid-phase epoxidation of ethylene, propylene, hexene, octene and other light olefins, as well as deactivation mechanism of W and Nb catalysts will be systematically discussed with the aim to provide insights into fundamental understanding on novel epoxidation chemistry and improving activity, selectivity, and stability nanocatalytic materials.