Polyelemental Nanoparticle Catalysts

Abstract

Polyelemental nanoparticle catalysts, including both phase-separated and alloyed nanostructures, have recently attracted considerable interest. The combination of multiple elements in a single particle enables the integration of functions associated with each element, allowing the particle to catalyze complex reactions involving multiple steps. Besides, synergistic electronic interactions between the elements can be used to steer chemisorption behavior, providing a potent way to optimize catalytic performance. Notably, recent developments in synthetic methods have enabled tremendous new types of polyelemental nanoparticles that lead to a surge of studies in this field. Within this context, this review summarizes recent progress of polyelemental nanoparticles in catalysis. The design principles of polyelemental nanoparticle catalysts is first elaborated. Following that, the utilization of alloyed and heterostructured nanoparticles in thermal catalysis is explored, with a focus on industry-relevant reactions that are operated at elevated temperatures. The application of polyelemental nanocatalysts for electrochemical reactions is also reviewed, and the activity enhancement that originates from the tailored binding energies of reaction species is explained. Next, the utilization of polyelemental hetero-nanostructures in photocatalysis is presented, with emphasis put on the excitation and transfer processes of charge carriers that drive surface redox reactions. Finally, future opportunities of polyelemental nanocatalysts and challenges associated with high-throughput discovery and atomic-scale characterization are discussed, providing guidance on future development of polyelemental nanocatalysts.

Keywords: catalysis; ligand effect; multi‐site synergy; polyelemental nanoparticles; strain effect.