Rational design of carbon-nitrogen based cluster catalysts for energy conversion applications
Qian Bai1, Zhiyi Sun1, Shuai Jiang1
1Energy & Catalysis Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China. wxchen@bit.edu.cn.
Atomically precise cluster catalysts on carbon nitride (CN) offer advantages over single-atom catalysts and nanoparticles. This review highlights their use in energy conversion reactions, driven by CN
Area of Science:
- Heterogeneous Catalysis
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Atomically precise cluster catalysts are emerging as a key area in heterogeneous catalysis.
- Carbon nitride (CN)-based materials are promising supports due to their electronic properties and coordination sites.
- These supports stabilize ultrasmall clusters with defined structures and reactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in CN-supported metal and metal oxide clusters for energy conversion.
- To emphasize the role of synergistic effects in governing catalytic performance.
- To discuss challenges and opportunities in catalyst design and stabilization.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on CN-supported cluster catalysts.
- Analysis of structure-activity relationships in catalytic reactions.
- Discussion of synthesis strategies and coordination environments.
Main Results:
- CN-supported clusters show significant potential for oxygen reduction (ORR), oxygen evolution (OER), hydrogen evolution (HER), nitrate reduction (NO3RR), and CO2 reduction (CO2RR).
- Synergistic effects between cluster properties and CN support are crucial for catalytic activity and selectivity.
- Charge redistribution and multi-site cooperation enhance performance.
Conclusions:
- CN-supported cluster catalysts represent a promising frontier for sustainable energy conversion.
- Rational design and structural stabilization are key for future development.
- Further research can guide practical applications in catalysis.
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