Application of 1D/2D carbon material supported metal nanoclusters for electrochemical conversion

Abstract

Metal nanoclusters (MNCs) are important in electrocatalysis, characterized by high atom utilization, unique geometrical and electronic structures, and abundant active sites. Unfortunately, nanoscale MNCs tend to aggregate, affecting their catalytic activity. Porous carbon materials have the advantages of physicochemical stability, tunable pore structures, and inexpensive and easy availability. Restricting MNCs to porous carbon carriers can obtain electrocatalysts with good electrochemical stability and abundant active sites. This paper reviews the application of metal nanoclusters supported by 1D carbon materials (CNTs) and 2D carbon materials (graphene, graphyne) in electrocatalysis. The curvature of the carbon nanotube walls is utilized to induce aberrations in the MNCs to tune their catalytic activity. Strong metal–substrate interactions between 2D carbon materials and MNCs can construct fast electron conduction paths, leading to a significant improvement in electrocatalytic performance. In this paper, we first summarise the synthesis strategies of CNT, graphene, and graphyne-supported MNCs, followed by a detailed discussion of their applications in the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR), CO reduction reaction (CORR), hydroxide reaction (HOR) and nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Finally, opportunities and challenges for future research on metal nanocluster-loaded carbon materials are discussed.