Advanced Size-Selected Catalysts Prepared by Laser Electrodispersion

Abstract This chapter introduces the laser electrodispersion (LED) method for the preparation of size-selected metal or alloy nanoparticles on carbon, silicon, or metal oxide supports for use as heterogeneous catalysts. LED method is based on the splashing of metal droplets from the surface of metal target irradiated by a laser torch, followed by their cascade fission. The ultimate product of the cascade fission is amorphous spherical nanoparticles with a fixed size (usually 2–5 nm) determined by the work function of the metal. The method allows the uniform deposition of metal nanoparticles on the outer surface of a support. The principles and state of the art of LED method are discussed in the first part of the chapter. In the second part, unique catalytic properties of extremely low-loaded (