Single-Atom-Kernelled Nanocluster Catalyst

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Catalysis
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Developing efficient catalysts for CO2 reduction is crucial for sustainable energy.
• Nanoclusters offer unique catalytic properties but often suffer from low precious metal utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the concept of single-atom-kernelled nanoclusters.
• To synthesize and characterize a novel Pd-based trimetal nanocluster with a single-Ag atom kernel.
• To investigate its performance in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Pd-based trimetal nanoclusters using steric hindrance factors and a joint alloying strategy (coreduction and antigalvanic reduction - AGR).
• Electrocatalytic testing for CO2 reduction to CO.
• Analysis of the influence of kernel single atoms on catalytic activity and electronic configuration.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized Pd-based trimetal nanoclusters with a single-Ag atom kernel.
• These nanoclusters exhibited higher activity and selectivity for CO2 electroreduction compared to bimetal precursors.
• Kernel single atoms were found to influence catalytic performance by altering electronic configuration, not by being active sites themselves.

Conclusions:

• The single-atom-kernelled nanocluster concept improves precious metal utilization (up to 100%).
• This approach enhances catalytic properties and provides insights into structure-property relationships in metal nanoclusters.
• Demonstrates a promising strategy for designing advanced electrocatalysts.