Advanced characterization techniques for the development of Subatomic scale catalysts: One step closer to industrial scale fabrication

Abstract

To date, the large-scale fabrication of subatomic scale catalysts (SSCs) remains a formidable challenge despite their tremendous potential to drive future clean energy conversion and decarbonization technologies. The primary hurdle lies in understanding the physicochemical relationship at the multi-scale interface (i.e., nanoscale, sub-nano, clusters, atomic) in constructing the heterogeneous catalysts. Conversely, high throughput advanced characterizations offer efficient and accelerated analysis of catalysts' chemical properties, bridging the gap between laboratory-to-industrial scale catalyst development for various engineering applications. The implementation of advanced characterizations is paramount in reducing uncertainties in bulk production, particularly during pre-screening assessments of a diverse range of SSCs compositions and configurations. Overall, this review aims to provide an illuminating overview of the streamlined SSCs development process, propelling us one step closer to achieving bulk-scale fabrication.

Keywords

• Subatomic scale catalysts
• Heterogeneous catalyst
• Advanced characterization
• Infrared spectroscopies
• X-ray spectroscopies
• High-resolution electron microscopies