Recent advances in nonmetallic atom-doped metal nanocrystals: Synthesis and catalytic applications

A B S T R A C T Metal nanocrystals have been recognized as the main catalytic materials in many fields, but insufficient activity and stability, as well as high prices, have limited their large-scale potential applications. As one of the extremely promising alternatives toward metal in boosting their catalytic performance, nonmetallic atoms-doped metal nanocrystals have recently received extensive attention because of their high efficiency, chemical and structural durability, abundant reserve, and low cost. In this review, we highlight the most recent progress in this field and provide insights into their catalytic applications. The metal nonmetal nanocrystals prepared by doping metal nanocrystals with nonmetallic atoms are introduced and classified based on the types of nonmetallic atoms, including metal hydrides, borides, carbides, nitrides, oxides, phosphides, and chalcogenides. Besides, their applications in catalysis, especially in electrocatalysis and organic catalysis, have been summarized and discussed. Finally, the conclusions and perspectives are given for the catalysis-driven rational design of metal-nonmetal nanocrystals in this minireview. (c) 2021 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This review highlights the recent progress and applications of metal nonmetal nanocrystals in the field of catalysis, discussing the different types of nonmetal atoms doped into metal nanocrystals and their applications, particularly in electrocatalysis and organic catalysis. The paper also provides insights into the catalysis-driven rational design of metal-nonmetal nanocrystals.