CHAPTER 1: Covalent Methods for Functional Carbons' Synthesis

Recently developed techniques for the synthesis of functional carbons have greatly expanded the impact of these materials in heterogeneous catalysis. Methods to tether discrete functional groups have notably enabled access to a fundamental understanding of active sites and their function under reaction conditions. As a result, metal-free carbon-based materials are emerging as promising catalysts for an expanding range of reactions including oxidation, reduction, and acid-base catalyzed processes. The chapter summarizes the most relevant advances in terms of synthesis of functional carbons bearing discrete and covalently tethered groups along with their successful application in catalysis.