Process for the preparation of catalytic metal clusters

摘要

Compositions of matter useful as catalysts in heterogeneous reactions and comprising metal atom clusters supported on inorganic supports such as silica, alumina or zeolites are prepared by vaporizing the metal at low temperatures and pressures into an environment of ethylene and a gaseous inert solvent. A metal-ethylene complex, protected by solvent molecules is formed. The complex is melted to liquid phase and used to impregnate the support. Then the material is warmed to ambient temperature to remove the solvent, decompose the complex and form monatomic or clusters of metal on the support.