Dispersed copper oxide: A multifaceted tool in catalysis

The preparation of highly dispersed copper oxide over different supports by means of a simple and versatile technique makes available a family of catalysts active for different kind of transformations. The proper choice of the inorganic matrix used as the support shapes the electronic properties of the deposited phase and, as a consequence, its catalytic behavior. Cu(δ+) and CuO nanoparticles resulted to be very active, respectively in hydrogenation reactions, NOx selective catalytic reduction by hydrocarbons and acid catalyzed formation of asymmetrical ethers starting from alcohols.