Heterogeneous Trimetallic Nanoparticles as Catalysts

Abstract

The development and application of trimetallic nanoparticles continues to accelerate rapidly as a result of advances in materials design, synthetic control, and reaction characterization. Following the technological successes of multicomponent materials in automotive exhausts and photovoltaics, synergistic effects are now accessible through the careful preparation of multielement particles, presenting exciting opportunities in the field of catalysis. In this review, we explore the methods currently used in the design, synthesis, analysis, and application of trimetallic nanoparticles across both the experimental and computational realms and provide a critical perspective on the emergent field of trimetallic nanocatalysts. Trimetallic nanoparticles are typically supported on high-surface-area metal oxides for catalytic applications, synthesized via preparative conditions that are comparable to those applied for mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles. However, controlled elemental segregation and subsequent characterization remain challenging because of the heterogeneous nature of the systems. The multielement composition exhibits beneficial synergy for important oxidation, dehydrogenation, and hydrogenation reactions; in some cases, this is realized through higher selectivity, while activity improvements are also observed. However, challenges related to identifying and harnessing influential characteristics for maximum productivity remain. Computation provides support for the experimental endeavors, for example in electrocatalysis, and a clear need is identified for the marriage of simulation, with respect to both combinatorial element screening and optimal reaction design, to experiment in order to maximize productivity from this nascent field. Clear challenges remain with respect to identifying, making, and applying trimetallic catalysts efficiently, but the foundations are now visible, and the outlook is strong for this exciting chemical field.

Cyclohexanone ammoximation via in situ H2O2 production using TS-1 supported catalysts

“…The inclusion of dopant concentrations of transition metals, in particular Pt, into supported Pd and AuPd catalysts has been reported to greatly enhance catalytic performance towards a range of chemical transformations, 62,63 including the direct synthesis of H 2 O 2. 22,64–67 With these earlier works in mind, we subsequently investigated the effect of Pt incorporation on catalytic performance.…”

Tuning reactivity in trimetallic dual-atom alloys: molecular-like electronic states and ensemble effects

“…23 So far, hetero-dual atom catalysts have been reported in carbon-based materials, [24][25][26] metal oxides 27 and metal organic frameworks (MOFs), 28,29 but studies of heterodimers in a metal host to form a trimetallic alloy are lacking. 21,30 These DAAs would likely have desirable catalytic properties based on analogies to both SAAs and dual-atom catalysts. Herein, we elucidate unique and fundamental properties of dual-atom sites in metal hosts, particularly in their electronic structure.…”

Smartphone-Based Pressure Signal Readout Device Combined with Bidirectional Immunochromatographic Test Strip for Dual-Analyte Detection

“…24 Furthermore, the additional metals provide greater freedom in tuning the band gap for boosting their catalytic activity. 25 Therefore, trimetallic NPs have been promising catalytic materials applied in environmental remediation, 26 energy conversion, 27 and biomedicine application. 28 Agrochemicals have been massively used, while conventional detection techniques for agrochemical residues such as GC, HPLC, and MS rely on tiresome pretreatment, bulky equipment, and high cost.…”

“…Furthermore, the additional metals provide greater freedom in tuning the band gap for boosting their catalytic activity . Therefore, trimetallic NPs have been promising catalytic materials applied in environmental remediation, energy conversion, and biomedicine application …”