Metallic Nanoparticles in Heterogeneous Catalysis

Heterogeneous catalysis is a chemical process achieved at solid-gas or solid-liquid interfaces. Many factors including the particle size, shape and metal-support interfaces can have significant influences on the catalytic properties of metal catalysts. The recent progress in the synthesis techniques and advanced characterization tools allow to understand the catalytic mechanisms at molecular level. In this Review, the size and shape dependent catalytic chemistry of metal nanoparticles and their electronic properties will be discussed. Then the unique catalytic chemistry at the metal-support interfaces will be discussed in details. Furthermore, the challenges of bimetallic nanoparticle catalytic chemistry will be discussed.