Synthesis and electrocatalytic applications of hybrid nanomaterials containing low-dimensional metals

Abstract

Metal nanomaterials with low dimensionality (i.e., one dimension and two dimensions) have been demonstrated as highly efficient catalysts towards various electrocatalytic applications due to the favorable electron transfer and large exposed active sites. It is worth noting that the catalytic performance of low-dimensional metal nanomaterials can be further enhanced by integrating them with other components to construct hybrid nanostructures, which take the advantages of low-dimensional metals and also benefit from the synergistic effects between distinct components. As a result, such novel hybrid nanomaterials containing low-dimensional metals have attracted considerable attention in recent years, especially in the electrocatalysis field. This review focuses on the recent progress in the synthesis of diverse hybrid nanomaterials combining low-dimensional metals with secondary metals, metal compounds, or some other nonmetal-based components. Then their catalytic performances towards distinct electrochemical applications are summarized and their structure–performance relationships are briefly discussed simultaneously. Finally, we propose some challenges and perspectives in this exciting field for the future development of more novel hybrid nanomaterials containing low-dimensional metals as high-performance catalysts.