Recent advances in atomically precise metal nanoclusters for electrocatalytic applications

Abstract

In comparison with metal nanoparticles, atomically precise nanoclusters provide a more advantageous platform for investigating the actual active sites and reaction mechanisms of electrocatalysis at the atomic or molecular scale. Until now, many efficient nanocluster-based electrocatalysts have been investigated for numerous electrocatalytic applications. In this review, we summarize recent advances in atomically precise metal nanoclusters for electrocatalytic applications, including the hydrogen evolution reaction, electrochemical synthesis of ammonia, electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction, fuel cell reaction, and pollutant degradation reaction. In particular, the crucial factors affecting the electrocatalytic performance of metal nanoclusters are discussed and concluded in detail, such as the composition of the metal core, the charge state of metal atoms, the type of protection ligand, precise structure, and different substrates. Simultaneously, suggestions for improvements and future perspectives of atomically precise metal nanoclusters for electrochemical applications are highlighted in the end. This review is intended to offer a deeper comprehension of the advantages of atomically precise metal nanoclusters and to form a basis for their more extensive utilization in electrocatalysis.