Structural Engineering of Nanoparticle Catalysts for Electrochemical Oxidation of Formic Acid

Abstract

Extensive studies have been carried out in the development of nanoparticle-based catalysts for formic acid oxidation (FAO). In this article, recent progress is summarized to highlight the correlation between the catalyst structures and FAO activity. A review of the relevant thermodynamics governing the FAO pathways is first presented, which provides a fundamental framework for structural engineering of the nanoparticle catalysts. The discussion will focus on several important factors, such as the nanoparticle size, shape, and elemental composition, as well as the chemical nature of the substrate supports (e.g., carbon and metal oxides) within the context of metal-support interfacial interactions. The obtained mechanistic insights may be exploited for the rational design and further engineering of the nanoparticle catalysts such that the electrocatalytic activity can be enhanced and ultimately optimized.