Surface and interface control of noble metal nanocrystals for catalytic and electrocatalytic applications

SummaryCatalysis and electrocatalysis by noble metal (NM) nanomaterials is typically surface and interface-sensitive. Effective surface and interface control over NM nanomaterials provides important foundation for studies of structure-dependent catalysis which is critical to the design of NM nanocatalysts with optimized catalytic performances for practical applications. In this review, we focus on recent progress in developing wet-chemical strategies to control the surface and interfacial structures of NM nanocrystals for catalytic and electrocatalytic applications. Approaches to control the surface structures of NM nanocrystals are first summarized and demonstrated by representative examples. We then focus discussions on how to control three different interfaces (i.e., metal–metal, metal–oxide and metal–organic interface) on the surface of NM nanocrystals. Finally, conclusions and perspectives are given to propose the challenges in catalysis-driven surface and interface control of NM nanocrystals.

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► Both surface structures and interfacial structures are considered as the influencing factors on the catalytic performances of noble metal nanocrystal catalysts.
► Recent progress in developing wet-chemical strategies to control the surface structures of noble metal nanocrystals is reviewed.
► Three different interfaces (metal–metal, metal–oxide and metal–organic interface) that influence the catalytic performances of noble metal nanocrystal catalysts are summarized.
► Challenges in catalysis-driven surface and interface control of NM nanocrystals are proposed.