Intermetallic compounds in catalysis – a versatile class of materials meets interesting challenges

Abstract

The large and vivid field of intermetallic compounds in catalysis is reviewed to identify necessities, strategies and new developments making use of the advantageous catalytic properties of intermetallic compounds. Since recent reviews summarizing contributions in heterogeneous catalysis as well as electrocatalysis are available, this contribution is not aiming at a comprehensive literature review. To introduce the field, first the interesting nature of intermetallic compounds is elaboratedincluding possibilities as well as requirements to address catalytic questions. Subsequently, this review focuses on exciting developments and example success stories of intermetallic compounds in catalysis. Since many of these are based on recent advances in synthesis, a short overview of synthesis and characterisation is included. Thus, this contribution aims to be an introduction to the newcomer as well as being helpful to the experienced researcher by summarising the different approaches. Selected examples from literature are chosen to illustrate the versatility of intermetallic compounds in heterogeneous catalysis where the emphasis is on developments since the last comprehensive review in the field.

Steering the Catalytic Properties of Intermetallic Compounds and Alloys in Reforming Reactions by Controlled in Situ Decomposition and Self-Activation

“…Intermetallic compounds represent an important and very fast growing group of materials in heterogeneous catalysis. 1 − 6 Significant progress has been made over the past two decades with respect to synthesis, adsorption behavior, and the general understanding of bonding properties and structures. Several reviews covering almost all aspects of intermetallic compounds and alloys are currently available.…”

“…Extending e.g., the ZnPd studies to GaPd 2 , CdPd, InPd, or ZnPt is such an example, which is documented by the similar valence band structure causing similar catalytic patterns in MSR. 1 …”

Steering the methanol steam reforming reactivity of intermetallic Cu–In compounds by redox activation: stability vs. formation of an intermetallic compound–oxide interface

“…[9][10][11][12][13][14] High emphasis has been given to the increasing dynamics of the intermetallic compound structure during catalytic operation, eventually leading to their partial or full decomposition and the formation of an IMC-oxide or metaloxide interface. 15,16 The formation of the intermetallic compound (or metal)-oxide interface can be triggered via two main routes. 15 (i) Deliberate preparation of the interface by reactive metal-support interaction, i.e., a catalytic pretreatment usually involving reduction treatments of a conventional metal-oxide system in hydrogen.…”

“…15,16 The formation of the intermetallic compound (or metal)-oxide interface can be triggered via two main routes. 15 (i) Deliberate preparation of the interface by reactive metal-support interaction, i.e., a catalytic pretreatment usually involving reduction treatments of a conventional metal-oxide system in hydrogen. Many specific IMC-oxide systems, e.g.…”

“…[22][23][24][25] In some cases, the decomposition can also be triggered by targeted pre-treatments. 15 As an illustrative example, showing the potential of this approach, we recently reported selfactivation of a bimetallic Cu 51 Zr 14 /Cu precursor during MSR operation. 22,23 The resulting active state, composed of metallic Cu nanoparticles embedded in an oxidized tetragonal ZrO 2 matrix, displayed high activity and CO 2 selectivity in MSR.…”