Solid acids, surface acidity and heterogeneous acid catalysis

Abstract This review begins with the historical development of the theories of acidity and of the preparation of acids. The historical aspects of acid catalysis and catalysts are also briefly surveyed. The fundamentals concerning acidity and acid catalysis in liquid phases and at the solid-liquid interfaces are discussed. The factors determining acidity and activity, as well as practical applicability, of solid catalysts such as protonic zeolites are reviewed in detail. Methods for investigation of surface acidity of solids at both solid/vapor and solid/liquid interfaces are briefly discussed. Finally, most of solid acid families are considered and their properties critically reviewed.