Effects of functional supports on efficiency and stability of atomically dispersed noble-metal electrocatalysts. Issue 3 (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Seongbeen; Park, Jinkyu; Hwang, Jongkook; Lee, Jinwoo
• Is Part Of: EnergyChem. Volume 3:Issue 3(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Electrocatalytic reactions -- Atomically dispersed catalyst -- Single atom -- Ensemble -- Functional support -- Noble metal -- Strong metal-support interaction; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; 660.282
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enchem.2021.100054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2589-7780

Abstract

Highlights: Recent developments in electrocatalytic reaction using atomically dispersed noble-metal catalysts. Use of functional supports to achieve atomic dispersion of noble metal. Contribution of the functional supports in increasing electrocatalytic efficiency such as activity, selectivity, and stability. Characterization of atomic structure of atomically dispersed noble-metal catalysts. Remaining challenges and future prospects of using atomically dispersed noble-metal catalyst in electrocatalytic reactions. Abstract: Atomically dispersed metal catalysts (ADCs), particularly of noble metal, have unique catalytic properties such as maximized atom efficiency, high catalytic activity, and superior selectivity. In ADCs, the metal centers are in intimate contact with the support, hence, the support significantly affects the catalytic behavior of the ADCs by participating in reactions, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, for electrocatalytic reactions, thorough understanding of the function of the supports is required in designing effective ADCs with superior activity and stability. In this review, we summarize and discuss the functions of supports in several synthesis strategies and electrocatalytic reactions of atomically dispersed noble-metal catalysts. We outline various synthesis strategies, and identify a need for a suitable design of the support to stabilize the atom-dimension metal structure. Furthermore, we describe (electro)catalysis of ADCs, with focus on support-derived factors that affect the catalytic performance of the ADCs, such as strong metal-support interaction (SMSI), geometric effects of atom-dimension structure, local environment near metal centers, and chemical properties of supports. Finally, we identify current challenges and future prospects of functional supports in ADCs. Graphical abstract: Image, graphical abstract