Transition metal nitride catalysts for selective conversion of oxygen-containing molecules.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Earth-abundant transition metal nitrides (TMNs) are emerging as highly active and selective catalysts.
• They offer a sustainable alternative to platinum-group metals in various chemical transformations.
• Fundamental understanding of TMN active sites and reaction mechanisms is still developing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a perspective on the catalytic applications of transition metal nitrides.
• To highlight how TMN properties, such as electronic structure and metal-support interactions, can be leveraged for catalyst design.
• To discuss the use of TMNs in thermocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and photocatalytic reactions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing probe molecules and model surfaces to study TMNs.
• Employing in situ techniques to understand reaction mechanisms.
• Analyzing d-band electronic structures and metal-support interactions.

Main Results:

• TMNs demonstrate significant activity in activating CO2 for C1 chemistry.
• They are effective in upgrading biomass and biomass-derived oxygenates.
• TMNs show promise for efficient H2 production via water electrolysis.

Conclusions:

• Synergistic effects between TMNs and metal overlayers enhance catalytic performance.
• Further research is needed to deepen mechanistic understanding and optimize synthesis.
• TMNs represent a promising class of catalysts for sustainable chemistry.