C-H bond activation reactions facilitate highly efficient molecular transformations without requiring pre-activating substrates. While the majority of reported reaction systems for C-H activation rely on metal complexes, certain reactions have demonstrated unique or superior catalysis of metal nanoparticles. This Concept article seeks to delineate recent reports that examine the novel catalysis and design strategy of supported metal nanoparticles for C-H bond activation reactions. These reactions include oxidative homocoupling of arenes, dehydrogenative alkylation of benzenes, selective H/D exchange reactions, and α,β-dehydrogenation of ketones.

To control anthropogenic CO2 emissions worldwide, it is necessary not only to align the chemical industry and energy sector with renewable resources but also to implement large-scale utilization of CO2 as a feedstock. The Fe-catalyzed CO2-modified Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (CO2-FTS) is one of the most promising options for efficient CO2 utilization, as it can be used to synthesize desired higher hydrocarbons (C2+), including lower olefins (C2=-C4=), the main building blocks of the chemical industry, and long-chain hydrocarbons (C5+), which can be used as fuels. To optimize catalyst and process design for the purpose of developing an economically viable industrial process, the reaction mechanism and the factors controlling product selectivity need to be fully understood. This article discusses the current state-of-the-art in catalyst design and approaches for making effective progress in addressing these challenges.