Thermodynamically metastable solid nanomaterials and their structure-dependent catalytic applications

To date, many studies have highlighted the superior catalytic performance of thermodynamically metastable nanostructures compared to their thermodynamically stable counterparts for noble metals and metal oxides nanomaterials. However, we still cannot predict the final structures of these nanocrystallites through rational synthesis, due to the unknown intrinsic factors in controlling the bulk structures during crystallization. Existing understanding of crystal growth usually assumes the nanocrystallites grow under near-equilibrium condition, in which thermodynamically stable forms are produced. It is necessary to study the crystal growth mechanism of novel thermodynamically metastable solid nanostructures, especially under non-equilibrium conditions. These studies will enrich our understanding of crystal growth in different growth conditions. At the same time, detailed studies on the structure-dependent relationship between novel thermodynamically metastable nanostructures and catalytic properties will open a new avenue to achieve high-efficiency catalysts in many fields.

The current syntheses of thermodynamically metastable nanostructures for noble metal and metal oxide nanomaterials heavily rely on inefficient trial-and-error processes due to the fundamental mechanisms being far from fully understood. With the development of various synthetic approaches for the synthesis of various thermodynamically metastable nanostructures (including but not limited to high-energy facets, novel 1D, 2D nanostructures, metastable crystal phases, twinned nanostructures), we hope we can draw the whole picture of nanocrystal growth for the novel thermodynamically metastable forms. This understanding will pave the way for the rational design and controlled synthesis of efficient catalysts toward different catalytic applications. The research will focus on discovering different kinds of thermodynamically metastable solid nanostructures, figuring out their growth mechanism via various techniques (e.g., in situ spectrum, electron microscope, computational simulation), and demonstrating the structure-dependent catalytic properties.

In this Research Topic, we intend to highlight the latest developments of controlled synthesis of solid nanomaterials with well-defined thermodynamically metastable nanostructures, and their structure-dependent catalytic applications in electrocatalysis, thermocatalysis, and organocatalysis. These solid nanomaterials include metal oxides nanocrystals, noble metals nanocrystals, and corresponding alloys with transition metals. We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:

 • Development of new approaches for rational design and controlled synthesis of thermodynamically metastable nanomaterials

 • Crystal growth mechanism studies on thermodynamically metastable nanocrystals from both experimental and modelling studies

 • In situ monitoring crystal growth by virtue of advanced techniques

 • Investigations the structure-dependent catalytic properties as a function of thermodynamically metastable nanostructures