Confining for Stability: Heterogeneous Catalysis with Transition Metal (Oxide) Nanoparticles Confined in the Secondary Pore Network of Mesoporous Scaffolds

A melt infiltration strategy allows the encapsulation of transition metal (oxide) nanoparticles in the intra-wall pores of SBA-15 supports, providing ultrafine particles that are stable at high temperatures (up to 900 °C, oxidizing–reducing atmospheres). Selective localization of transition metal (oxide) precursor in the secondary pores is achieved in the presence of organic structure-directing agent occluded in the intra-wall pores, and by applying an intermediate diffusion step during preparation.