Dual-Metal Atom Electrocatalysts: Theory, Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications

Electrochemical clean energy conversion and the production of sustainable chemicals are critical in the journey to realizing a truly sustainable society. To progress electrochemical storage and conversion devices to commercialization, improving the electrocatalyst performance and cost are of utmost importance. Research into dual-metal atom catalysts (DACs) is rising in prominence due to the advantages of these sites over single-metal atom catalysts (SACs), such as breaking scaling relationships for the adsorption energy of reaction intermediates and synergistic effects. This review provides an examination of the fundamental theoretical principles and experimental electrochemical performance of DACs in idealized half cells, as well as fuel cells, before proceeding to analyze the methods used for producing and identifying DACs. Current challenges and potential future research directions of DACs are also discussed.