Considerable research has been conducted on monolithic catalysts for various applications. Strategies toward coating monoliths are of equal interest and importance. In this paper, the preparation of monoliths and monolithic catalysts have been summarized. More specifically, a brief explanation for the manufacturing of ceramic and metallic monoliths has been provided. Also, different methods for coating γ-alumina, as a secondary support, are included. Techniques used to deposit metal-based species, zeolites and carbon onto monoliths are discussed. Furthermore, monoliths extruded with metal oxides, zeolites and carbon are described. The main foci are on the reasoning and understanding behind the preparation of monolithic catalysts. Ideas and concerns are also contributed to encourage better approaches when designing these catalysts. More importantly, the relevance of monolithic structures to reactions, such as the selective oxidation of alkanes, catalytic combustion for power generation and the preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide, has been described.

In the last 30 years, C–C cross coupling reactions have become a reliable technique in organic synthesis due their versatility and efficiency. While drawbacks have been experienced on an industrial scale with the use of homogenous systems, many attempts have been made to facilitate a heterogeneous renaissance. Thus, this review gives an overview of the current status of the use of heterogeneous catalysts particularly in Suzuki and Heck reactions. Most recent developments focus on palladium immobilised or supported on various classes of supports, thus this review highlights and discuss contributions of the last decade.

The activity of Ni-supported catalysts on silica and alumina was studied for the transformation of glycerol to lower alcohols, primarily 1-propanol and ethanol. Pressure had a small effect on glycerol conversion whereas temperature had a significant effect on conversion and selectivity. Ni/SiO₂ gave quantitative conversion of glycerol at a lower temperature compared to Ni/Al₂O₃. Ni/SiO₂ also gave a higher selectivity to ethanol and propanol (63%) compared to Ni/Al₂O₃ (52%) at a similar conversion. The higher activity of Ni/SiO₂ can be ascribed to its smaller crystallite size ascertained from XRD analysis. The Ni/SiO₂ catalyst also showed improved reducibility compared to Ni/Al₂O₃. The used catalyst showed sintering of the Ni, which was confirmed by a loss of surface area and average crystallite size. The route to lower alcohols from glycerol is proposed to occur via1,2-propanediol. Biomass is readily converted into biodiesel and glycerol and we have developed a route to convert glycerol into lower alcohols. We have therefore demonstrated that it is possible to convert biomass into biodiesel and lower alcohols (viaglycerol) from the same crop, thus reducing the need to produce ethanol from a separate government-subsidised crop.