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Facet-defined single-crystalline nanocrystals via solution synthesis for electrocatalysis
Shuai Xia1, Lekang Lu1, Ruizhi Jia1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore. xbfuu@nus.edu.sg.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|January 2, 2026
Summary
Facet-defined single-crystalline nanocrystals (SCNCs) offer precise control for designing advanced electrocatalysts. These SCNCs are crucial for improving clean energy technologies like fuel cells and electrolyzers.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Electrocatalysis is key for clean energy technologies, but catalyst design is limited by nanomaterial complexity.
- Facet-defined single-crystalline nanocrystals (SCNCs) offer a solution by providing well-defined surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in synthesis, characterization, and application of facet-defined SCNCs.
- To highlight the role of SCNCs in understanding structure-activity relationships for catalysis.
- To discuss challenges and opportunities for practical applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of facet-defined single-crystalline nanocrystals.
- Characterization of nanocrystal surface structures and properties.
- Evaluation of nanocatalyst performance in energy conversion systems.
Main Results:
- SCNCs enable precise control over surface atomic arrangements.
- Clear structure-activity relationships can be established using SCNCs.
- SCNCs facilitate direct evaluation of surface dynamics under operating conditions.
Conclusions:
- Facet-defined SCNCs are a powerful platform for advancing electrocatalyst design.
- SCNCs bridge the gap between surface science and practical catalysis.
- Further research is needed to translate SCNC model catalysts into commercial energy technologies.
