Dual and Triple Atom Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion (CO₂RR, NRR, ORR, OER, and HER): Synthesis, Characterization, and Activity Evaluation

Abstract

Dual and triple atom catalysts (DACs and TACs) are an emerging field of heterogeneous catalysis research. They share properties with single atom catalysts (SACs), such as maximizing dispersion of metals and the ability to circumvent the traditional scaling relations that limit extended surfaces. DACs and TACs additionally provide adjacent sites that are necessary for certain reaction mechanisms and add to the tunability of the electronic structure and binding energies. DACs and TACs are, however, inherently difficult to selectively synthesize and characterize. Characterization and activity evaluation are prone to misinterpretation, adding confusion to the already complex field. In this review, we investigate the current progress of DACs for important electrochemical reactions in energy conversion and storage. We further discuss current and future synthesis methods for DACs and TACs and focus on common pitfalls in characterization and activity evaluation.

Interfacial Engineering Boosting the Activity and Stability of MIL-53(Fe) toward Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction

“…Compared with the Haber–Bosch process, the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) offers an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for NH 3 production. − However, poor Faradaic efficiency and NH 3 yield limit its large-scale application, − which is mainly due to the difficulty of N 2 adsorption and activation on the catalyst and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) during the electrocatalytic process. Up to now, numerous catalysts have been reported for achieving high activity, including noble metals, − transition metals and their oxides, − metal-free materials, − and MXene, − coupled with many strategies to boost their electrocatalytic performance (interface engineering, defect engineering, cell design, etc.) .…”

Selectivities of Stepped Cu–M (M = Pt, Ni, Pd, Zn, Ag, Au) Bimetallic Surface Environment for C1 and C2 Pathways

“…This process has the capability to transform intermittent electrical energy sources (such as solar, wind, and tidal power) into chemical bonds, effectively storing the energy for future use . The commercial feasibility of these reactions depends on the availability of catalysts that exhibit a balance of activity, selectivity, stability, and cost-effectiveness . As a kind of catalyst for CO 2 RR, copper, due to its excellent (d-electron) conductivity, copper can generate a variety of hydrocarbons, which has become the focus of research .…”

Regulating Adsorption of Intermediates via the Sulfur Modulating Dual-Atomic Sites for Boosting CO2RR

“…The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into value-added chemicals and fuels via electrocatalytic reduction has been recognized as a useful strategy for mitigating the greenhouse effect and energy crisis − The CO 2 reduction to CO is an important method for the further synthesis of carbon-based industrial raw material. − Although previous single–atom catalysts (SACs) exhibited high Faradaic efficiency (FE) via the suppression of the hydrogen evolution reaction, their activities were extremely low for industrial applications. − Many strategies, such as doping atom ligands, − multi–SACs collaboration, and the construction of dual–atomic sites catalysts, − have increased their performance under the condition of CO 2 RR. Adopting the double strategy for doping ligands of dual–atom sites was difficult, but designing the new-generation CO 2 RR catalysts could be performed.…”