ABSTRACT
Bulk oxides are used extensively in the chemical industry as catalysts for a wide range of chemically important transformations. An important part of academic catalysis research to identify key constituents of a catalyst, to clarify the individual roles played by its various components, and to develop an understanding of their functions on a structural and mechanistic basis. Since the solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approach is relatively new, most applications to bulk oxide catalysts so far have focused on introducing a new experimental technique to an existing catalytic system. To achieve the latter goal would require careful attention to details of sample preparation, structural characterization by complementary techniques, and correlation of structural features with catalytic activities. The chapter also presents many of the chief concepts and ideas relating to NMR applications to oxide catalysts and summarizes the current state of knowledge in specific areas of bulk oxide catalysis.
