Recent Advances of Cu-based Intermetallics: Structures, Syntheses, and Electrocatalytic Applications

Abstract

Recent advancements in Cu-based intermetallics have sparked significant interest in electrochemical energy conversion and related fields. This review focuses on the latest developments in Cu-based intermetallics, covering their structures, synthesis methods, and electrocatalytic applications. We first classify the structural types of Cu-based intermetallics and explore the thermodynamic and kinetic factors influencing their formation. Key synthesis techniques, such as thermal annealing and liquid-phase methods, are discussed, alongside strategies for size and morphology control. The applications of Cu-based intermetallics in electrocatalysis, including hydrogen evolution reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, and nitrate reduction reaction, are then examined in detail. Lastly, we demonstrate the challenges in this area and suggest future research directions to guide further exploration.