Recent progress in intermetallic nanocrystals for electrocatalysis: From binary to ternary to high-entropy intermetallics

Developing sustainable and clean energy-conversion techniques is one of the strategies to simultaneously meet the global energy demand, save fossil fuels and protect the environment, in which nanocatalysts with high activity, selectivity and durability are of great importance. Intermetallic nanocrystals, featuring their ordered atomic arrangements and predictable electronic structures, have been recognized as a type of active and durable catalysts in energy-related applications. In this minireview, the very recent progress in the syntheses and electrocatalytic applications of noble metal-based intermetallic nanocrystals is summarized. Various synthetic strategies, including the conventional thermal annealing approach and its diverse modifications, as well as the wet-chemical synthesis, for the construction of binary, ternary and high-entropy intermetallic nanocrystals have been discussed with representative examples, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Then, their electrocatalytic applications toward oxygen reduction reaction, small molecule oxidation reactions, hydrogen evolution reaction, CO2/CO reduction reactions, and nitrogen reduction reaction are discussed, with the emphasis on how the ordered intermetallic structures contribute to the enhanced performance. We conclude the minireview by addressing the current challenges and opportunities of intermetallic nanocrystals in terms of syntheses and electrocatalytic applications.

Automated summary

This mini-review summarizes the recent progress in the syntheses and electrocatalytic applications of noble metal-based intermetallic nanocrystals. Various synthetic strategies for constructing binary, ternary and high-entropy intermetallic nanocrystals are discussed, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The electrocatalytic applications of intermetallic nanocrystals in oxygen reduction reaction, small molecule oxidation reactions, hydrogen evolution reaction, CO2/CO reduction reactions, and nitrogen reduction reaction are also discussed.