High-index-facet- and high-surface-energy nanocrystals of metals and metal oxides as highly efficient catalysts

The development and applications of highly efficient and stable catalysts are of vital importance for modern industries varying from chemical production and material transformation to clean energy conversion. Over the last decade, high-index facet and high surface energy nanocrystals have drawn increasing interests in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis and heterogeneous catalysis thanks to their excellent catalytic properties. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the up-to-date progress of high-index facet and high surface energy nanocrystals, ranging from fundamental understanding of the materials and underpinning science, to synthesis and promising applications in catalysis, and points out the perspectives for future research and development, in terms of exploring in-situ characterization techniques and advanced modelling methodologies, broader materials consideration including chemical compositions and particle sizes, and various scales of applications