Precise construction of multicomponent catalysts by atomic layer deposition

The precise construction of multi-component catalysts is the focus of heterogeneous catalytic research. However, the catalysts prepared by traditional methods are not homogeneous in particle size, have a random distribution of the components, and the structures are not well defined, which limits the structural optimization and performance enhancement of the catalysts. In order to address the above problems, the authors have conducted unique research on the application of atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology to the precise construction of multi-component catalysts, and put forward a new idea to precisely regulate the spatial distribution of the components and the study of their synergistic mechanism. We have developed a new method to precisely tune the catalyst particle size and interfacial structure by ALD, to tune the spatial distribution of the components, and to realize the precise tuning of the interfacial microstructure and microenvironment. By constructing the spatially separated catalysts with a clear structure, the migration and diffusion rules of reactive species were revealed, the synergistic mechanism of spillover and back spillover to promote catalytic activity was elucidated, and a new strategy of controlling the electronic state of active particles by controllable spillover was proposed. The above work provides guidance for the understanding of the catalyst structure-effect relationship and the synergistic catalytic mechanism at the atomic and molecular levels, as well as for the design and development of new and efficient multi-component catalysts.