Recent advances in nanostructured intermetallic electrocatalysts for renewable energy conversion reactions

Abstract

This review summarises recent advances in the synthesis and electrocatalytic application of intermetallic nanostructures.

Nanoporous Intermetallic Pd3Bi for Efficient Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction

“…Compared with the random alloy nanocatalysts, the ordered arrangement based on well‐defined stoichiometry of constituent atoms and the intermetallic crystal nanostructures with intensified ligand/strain effects have contributed to improve catalytic activity and durability. [ 14 ] The synergistic effect of intermetallic compounds could also regulate the adsorption and desorption of the N species while suppressing competitive HER, resulting in a superior performance for the lower reaction energy barrier and high catalytic activity. Whereas, to design and synthesize intermetallic Pd–Bi with certain stoichiometry and morphology remains a great challenge.…”

Pt‐based Intermetallic Nanocatalysts for Promoting the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

“…In a free energy diagram, an intermetallic phase shows more negative free energy than an alloy phase (Figure 1(a)). 22,25,26 This indicates that the structural transformation from the disordered alloy into the ordered intermetallic structure (disorder-toorder transformation) is thermodynamically favorable (ΔG < 0). It originates from the strong A-B bond, whose bonding strength is much higher than the average bonding strength of A-A and B-B bonds.…”

“…The use of Pt-M intermetallic catalysts can drive further promotion in catalytic activity of Pt-M alloys. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] The intermetallic structure maximizes the number of Pt-M bonds and engenders the intensified electronic interaction (strain and ligand effects) between the Pt and M elements, resulting in an additional activity enhancement. We first highlight the intensified strain effect by the intermetallic structure.…”

“…In this regard, highly stable Pt-based intermetallic materials have emerged as a promising class of catalysts for the cathode of a practical PEMFC. [22][23][24][25][26] The intermetallic phase is an atomically ordered structure possessing fixed atomic positions and a constant stoichiometry of constituent metal elements in a unit cell. In terms of atomic arrangement, it differs from the solid-solution with a disordered array of metal atoms, namely random alloy.…”

“…[27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] Interestingly, these intermetallic catalysts have also demonstrated higher intrinsic activity than their alloy counterparts with the same composition. [22][23][24][25][26]31 In order to further facilitate the research and development of intermetallic catalysts, it is necessary to understand the principles behind the enhanced activity and stability, and catalyst design strategies.…”