Mechanochemistry: A Green and Fast Method to Prepare A New Generation of Metal Supported Catalysts

In this review, we report on recent advances in the use of mechanochemistry to synthesize new catalytic materials. We report recent results obtained by our groups where a rational design of the milling parameters led to the synthesis of advanced materials with novel properties such as unconventional arrangements of metals on the surface of oxide support materials, highly dispersed metals or the stabilization of species in particular oxidation states. These properties resulted in superior catalytic performances of the mechanochemically-synthesized catalysts compared to their counterparts prepared by traditional impregnation methods. To illustrate these advances, we review the progress made in two important fields of catalysis where noble metals are used: (i) emission-control catalysis using Pd-based materials, and (ii) the development of photocatalysts to produce hydrogen based on Au and Pd materials.