Application of Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters in Electrocatalysis

Authors

Zhi-Hua Zhuang, 1. State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry,Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, Jilin, China;2. University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui, China;
Wei Chen, 1. State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry,Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, Jilin, China;2. University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui, China;Follow

Corresponding Author

Wei Chen(chenw@sari.ac.cn)

Abstract

Metal nanoclusters (M NCs) consist of only several to a few hundred of metal atoms and possess core sizes less than 2 nm. Owing to the quantum size effect, the electronic states of M NCs evolve to discrete levels similar to the molecule energy gaps, other than a continuous density of states to produce plasmon characteristic of bulk metal nanoparticles (M NPs). In comparison with the conventional M NPs, M NCs exhibit dramatically unique electronic and optical properties, such as molecule-like energy gaps, strong photoluminescence and high catalytic properties, which make them promising for potential application in numerous fields, such as catalysis, chemical sensors, electronics, biological labeling and biomedicine. As a new type of highly efficient catalysts, MNCs have shown high catalytic activity and unique selectivity in many catalytic reactions, which are related to their ultrasmall size with relatively high surface area-to-volume ratio, high density of exposed active atoms, and the unique electronic structure different from that of bulk M NPs. For example, the M NCs showed good performances in many catalytic reactions, such as CO oxidation, propylene epoxidation, electrocatalytic water oxidation, propane dehydrogenation, acetylene cyclotrimerization and hydrogenation and polymerization reactions. M NCs can be used as model catalysts for theoretical simulation of the reaction pathway due to the precise compositions, atomically precise and tunable structures, which is helpful to study the intrinsic relationship between structure and property of nanostructure, and to rational design and fabricate advanced catalysts. In this review article, based on the present status of this field, we highlight the development of metal nanoclusters in recent years with focusing mainly on their application in electrocatalysis, including for fuel cell anode and cathode reactions, water splitting reaction and CO₂ reduction. Finally, we give a brief outlook on the application of metal nanoclusters in electrocatalysis and the possible challenges.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

metal nanocluster, electrocatalysis, fuel cells, water splitting reaction, CO2 reduction reaction

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.13208/j.electrochem.201246

Publication Date

2021-04-28

Online Available Date

2021-03-12

Revised Date

2021-03-02

Received Date

2021-01-31

Recommended Citation

Zhi-Hua Zhuang, Wei Chen. Application of Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters in Electrocatalysis[J]. Journal of Electrochemistry, 2021 , 27(2): 125-143.
DOI: 10.13208/j.electrochem.201246
Available at: https://jelectrochem.xmu.edu.cn/journal/vol27/iss2/6