Applications of Metal Nanocrystals with Twin Defects in Electrocatalysis

Abstract

Electrocatalytic energy conversion is one of the most promising pathways to develop clean and renewable energy technologies, and the development of high-performance electrocatalysts to improve the energy conversion efficiency is of paramount importance. Metal nanocrystals with twin defects possess unique features, including lattice strain and high density of low-coordinated atoms at the twin boundary, endowing them with excellent catalytic performance in various electrocatalytic reactions. Herein, we briefly summarize recent advances in the synthesis of metal nanocrystals with various twin structures, recent breakthroughs related to electrocatalytic applications of twin metal nanocrystals are also overviewed. Finally, the major challenges and perspectives for future development of twin metal nanocrystals in electrochemical applications are proposed.

Keywords: Electrocatalysis; metal nanocrystals; twin defects.