Atomically precise Au and Ag nanoclusters doped with a single atom as model alloy catalysts

Area of Science:

• Catalysis
• Nanomaterials Science
• Materials Chemistry

Background:

• Gold and silver nanoclusters (<200 atoms) exhibit unique catalytic properties tunable by size.
• Doping offers a route to enhance nanocluster catalytic performance, but precise control is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in single-atom doping of atomically precise gold and silver nanoclusters (Au/Ag NCs).
• To explore the synthesis and catalytic applications of these doped NCs.
• To discuss future prospects for developing advanced metal nanocluster catalysts.

Main Methods:

• Atomically precise synthesis of Au/Ag NCs using ligands or polymers for regioselective doping.
• Controlled calcination of ligand-protected NCs on supports to create heterogeneous single-atom-doped catalysts.
• Comparative analysis of thermal, electro-, and photocatalysis for doped versus undoped NCs.

Main Results:

• Single-atom doping allows precise control over dopant number and location in Au/Ag NCs.
• Doping effects on catalysis can originate from electronic or geometric factors, dependent on dopant type and position.
• Single-atom-doped Au/Ag NCs show tunable catalytic activity and selectivity.

Conclusions:

• Single-atom doping is a powerful strategy for optimizing Au/Ag NC catalysts.
• Understanding doping origins is key to rational catalyst design.
• Atomically precise doped NCs represent a promising frontier in catalysis research.