Research Progress on Solid Superbase Catalysts in the Last Decade

This review focuses on the research progress on solid superbase catalysts in recent decade, including the type and preparation of superbases, the mechanism for basic site generation, and the application of superbases in catalysis. It is pointed out that only several kinds of superbases have been reported so far, and the majority of solid superbases are generated using metal oxides as supports. The reported superbases are very sensitive to H2O and CO2, and rigorous conditions are required for their preparation and utilization. As a consequence, the development and application of solid superbases are restricted. Despite the understanding of the formation mechanism of superbasic sites is essential for the design of solid superbases, reports on this aspect are few. It is necessary to develop new support materials or modifying agents to generate solid superbases of novelty. Efforts should be devoted to the study of the generation mechanism of superbasic sites by adopting advanced characterization techniques and new methods for theoretical investigation. Moreover, it can be predicted that solid superbases will find new application in catalysis, especially in reactions that require high temperatures for desorption of acidic substances from the surface of superbases.