Advances in Naked Metal Clusters for Catalysis

Abstract

The properties of sub‐nano metal clusters are governed by quantum confinement and their large surface‐to‐bulk ratios, atomically precise compositions and geometric/electronic structures. Advances in metal clusters lead to new opportunities in diverse aspects of sciences including chemo‐sensing, bio‐imaging, photochemistry and catalysis. Naked metal clusters having synergic multiple active sites and coordinative unsaturation and tunable stability/activity enable researchers to design atomically precise metal catalysts with tailored catalysis for different reactions. Here we summarize the progress of gas‐phase and supported metal clusters for catalytic applications. It is anticipated that this review helps to fully understand the chemistry of small metal clusters and facilitates the design and development of new catalysts for potential applications.

Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reaction Catalyzed by Al12M (M = Be, Al, C, and P) Superatoms with Different Numbers of Valence Electrons

“…Atomic clusters, as a special phase that appears during the transition of matter from atoms to macroscopic solids, have interesting characteristics such as quantum size effects, unique surface, adjustable composition, and high specific surface area. Thus, clusters are expected to be potential catalysts that combine the advantages of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts . For example, Corma and coworkers reported that small gold clusters (3–10 atoms) formed by conventional gold salts and gold complexes could catalyze various organic reactions at room temperature, which clearly demonstrates the potential of small metal clusters as highly active catalysts for organic synthesis.…”