Synergistic effects of atomically precise Au-based bimetallic nanocluster on energy-related small molecule catalysis

Abstract

Utilizing renewable sources to convert small-molecule energy carriers (such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water, or oxygen) into high value-added chemicals and fuels is of great significance. Rational design of the catalyst is the key to achieving efficient catalytic performance. Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) exhibit the advantages of high atomic economy, distinctive discrete electronic energy, and homogeneity in size, composition, structure, and surface environment, not only offering extraordinary catalytic activity but also providing the opportunity to reveal the reaction mechanism. In the metal NC family, Au-based NCs have attracted widespread and sustained interest due to their simple preparation, high stability, easy functionalization, and especially their unique catalytic activity, which once provoked a “gold rush” in academia. The synergistic effect between different metal atoms is regarded as an effective strategy to achieve enhanced catalytic performance, but the underlying mechanism is a puzzle. Recently, abundant, diverse and adjustable atomically precise Au-based bimetallic NCs (doped with Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd, Cd, Hg, Ir etc.) have emerged, which not only provide a bank of materials for highly active catalysts, but also provide feasibility for revealing synergistic effects at the atomic level. This perspective briefly introduces the common synthesis strategy and structural characteristics of atomically precise Au-based bimetallic NCs, summarizes recent advances in their synergistic catalysis in energy-related small-molecule conversion, and proposes insights and advice for future breakthroughs in this field.