Copper species supported in polysaccharide-based materials: from preparation to application in catalysis

ABSTRACT Cu species (ions or nanoparticles) have gained considerable attention in many research fields, mainly in catalysis. In particular, the development of novel support materials, especially those based on polysaccharides, has allowed using Cu-based catalysts in a vast number of applications. Polysaccharides show attractive characteristics that encourage the researchers to develop support materials with varied sizes and geometry capable of immobilizing various Cu species. Herein, we comprehensively discuss the main advances related to the development of catalysts based on Cu-supported in polysaccharide-based materials along with their application in heterogeneous catalysis. Finally, some perspectives on the future directions toward the development and application of these catalysts are provided.