Nanoarchitectonics of Metallene Materials for Electrocatalysis

Abstract

Controlling the synthesis of metal nanostructures is one approach for catalyst engineering and performance optimization in electrocatalysis. As an emerging class of unconventional electrocatalysts, two-dimensional (2D) metallene electrocatalysts with ultrathin sheet-like morphology have gained ever-growing attention and exhibited superior performance in electrocatalysis owing to their distinctive properties originating from structural anisotropy, rich surface chemistry, and efficient mass diffusion capability. Many significant advances in synthetic methods and electrocatalytic applications for 2D metallenes have been obtained in recent years. Therefore, an in-depth review summarizing the progress in developing 2D metallenes for electrochemical applications is highly needed. Unlike most reported reviews on the 2D metallenes, this review starts by introducing the preparation of 2D metallenes based on the classification of the metals (e.g., noble metals, and non-noble metals) instead of synthetic methods. Some typical strategies for preparing each kind of metal are enumerated in detail. Then, the utilization of 2D metallenes in electrocatalytic applications, especially in the electrocatalytic conversion reactions, including the hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, fuel oxidation reaction, CO2 reduction reaction, and N2 reduction reaction, are comprehensively discussed. Finally, current challenges and opportunities for future research on metallenes in electrochemical energy conversion are proposed.

V–O Species-Doped Carbon Frameworks Loaded with Ru Nanoparticles as Highly Efficient and CO-Tolerant Catalysts for Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation

“…The E peak of Ru/VOC is lower than that of Ru/C, indicating the weaker HBE of Ru/VOC. It is reported that the HBE on metal can be modulated by alloying and heterojunctions. − However, no Ru–V bond signal and Ru structure changes were observed in a series of characterizations for Ru/VOC, and the regulation of HBE in Ru/VOC was achieved by facilitating electron transfer between the Ru nanoparticles and carbon support through doping the carbon matrix with the atomically dispersed V–O species. In addition, the OHBE of V sites and Ru sites was also assessed by CO stripping experiments on VOC and Ru/C, respectively.…”

Polyethylenimine-Ethylenediamine-Induced Pd Metallene toward Alkaline Oxygen Reduction

“…The electrocatalytic activity of the catalyst is significantly correlated with its morphology. − Metallene, a class of thin-layered two-dimensional (2D) materials with a thickness of several atomic layers, has garnered significant interest in electrocatalysis fields on account of its large-surface area and sufficient catalytic active sites. − The synthesis of PdMo bimetallene with highly curved and ultrathin structures has been reported, which exhibited excellent ORR performance in alkaline electrolytes . In addition to morphology control, another approach to enhance catalytic activity is interface engineering by polymer functionalization. − For example, Pt nanospines functionalized with polyallylamine (PAA) were synthesized, which effectively improved the ORR activity, selectivity, and durability because the loose PAA layer on the surface can effectively change the electronic structure of Pt atoms .…”

Insights into Electrochemical Dehalogenation by Non-Noble Metal Single-Atom Cobalt with High Efficiency and Low Energy Consumption

“…As a result, the development of non-noble metal catalysts with high catalytic activity has emerged as a research priority. Due to their inexpensive cost, large specific surface area, effective mass/electron transfer, and distinctive physicochemical features, non-noble metal-based materials with porous structure have gained interest in catalysis. , Cobalt-based catalyst has excellent dehalogenation performance. , Liu et al synthesized a cobalt–phosphorus/oxide (Co–P/O) composite and demonstrated that the synergistic effect of the Co–Cl bond with atomic hydrogen led to efficient dechlorination.…”