This book is an excellent compilation of cutting-edge research in heterogeneous catalysis and related disciplines - surface science, organometallic catalysis, and enzymatic catalysis. In 23 chapters by noted experts, the volume demonstrates varied approaches using model systems and their successes in understanding aspects of heterogeneous catalysis, both metal- and metal oxide-based catalysis in extended single crystal and nanostructured catalytic materials. To truly appreciate the astounding advances of modern heterogeneous catalysis, let us first consider the subject from a historical perspective. Heterogeneous catalysis had its beginnings in England and France with the work of scientists such as Humphrey Davy (1778-1829), Michael Faraday (1791-1867), and Paul Sabatier (1854-1941). Sabatier postulated that surface compounds, si- lar to those familiar in bulk to chemists, were the intermediate species leading to catalytic products. Sabatier proposed, for example, that NiH moieties on a Ni sur- 2 face were able to hydrogenate ethylene, whereas NiH was not. In the USA, Irving Langmuir concluded just the opposite, namely, that chemisorbed surface species are chemically bound to surfaces and are unlike known molecules. These chemisorbed species were the active participants in catalysis. The equilibrium between gas-phase molecules and adsorbed chemisorbed species (yielding an adsorption isotherm) produced a monolayer by simple site-filling kinetics.
From the reviews:
"This book provides a useful overview for new researchers in the catalysis field and would provide a useful foundation for a course in the subject. The chapters are generally well written and provide context for the material. Given that a comparable book was not published in at least a decade, this book provides a great starting point to train researchers in model studies of catalysis." (Cynthia Friend, Angewandte Chemie, Vol. 49 (2), 2010)
"This timely book presents 23 chapters that are snapshots emphasizing recent research on model solid catalysts. ... The authors of this book have been well chosen, and the chapters for the most part are insightful, informative, and readable ... . The book is well organized, pleasing in presentation, and bolstered by lots of fine illustrations, many in color. ... provide many readers a quick, enjoyable introduction to important segments of modern surface science and catalysis." (B. C. Gates, Catalysis Letters, Vol. 141, 2011)
"This book provides a useful overview for new researchers in the catalysis field and would provide a useful foundation for a course in the subject. The chapters are generally well written and provide context for the material. Given that a comparable book was not published in at least a decade, this book provides a great starting point to train researchers in model studies of catalysis." (Cynthia Friend, Angewandte Chemie, Vol. 49 (2), 2010)
"This timely book presents 23 chapters that are snapshots emphasizing recent research on model solid catalysts. ... The authors of this book have been well chosen, and the chapters for the most part are insightful, informative, and readable ... . The book is well organized, pleasing in presentation, and bolstered by lots of fine illustrations, many in color. ... provide many readers a quick, enjoyable introduction to important segments of modern surface science and catalysis." (B. C. Gates, Catalysis Letters, Vol. 141, 2011)