Metal Nanoparticles on Polymeric Membranes Applied in Catalytic Hydrogenations

Polymeric catalytic membranes, adapted for the immobilization of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) with the objective of being applied in hydrogenation reactions, are reviewed in this chapter, highlighting the works including a rational design and full characterization of the catalytic membrane reactors. The most relevant contributions concern zero-valent MNPs (mono- and bimetallic systems) of late transition metals (groups 8–10), involving a significant variety of (un)functionalized polymers. Both batch and continuous-flow processes are discussed, with the latter being of particular interest for large-scale applications. The literature analysis carried out evidences that there is still room for developing innovative polymeric catalytic membranes, regarding both design and applications. Thus, for instance, well-defined stereo-controlled polymeric membranes for enantioselective hydrogenations or multi-step processes involving a series of polymeric catalytic reactors would be of interest, particularly for the production of fine chemicals under smooth conditions.