Recent advances in nanostructured intermetallic electrocatalysts for renewable energy conversion reactions

Highly active, stable, durable, and selective electrocatalysts for energy conversion devices are critical for securing a hydrogen-based clean and sustainable energy cycle. Recently, intermetallic nanostructures have emerged as a new class of advanced electrocatalysts. The ordered arrangement of constituent atoms with well-defined stoichiometry and crystal structure in the intermetallic nanostructures induces intensified ligand/strain effects and chemical stability compared to random alloy nanocatalysts, which results in improved catalytic activity and durability. In this review, we introduce recent advances in synthetic strategies for the generation of intermetallic nanostructures. We summarise representative examples that demonstrate enhanced catalytic performance by intermetallic structures in important renewable energy conversion reactions, including oxygen reduction, fuel oxidation, hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, and CO2 reduction. Finally, current issues and future perspectives of intermetallic nanocatalysts are presented.