Issue

Vol. 17 (2025)

Atomically Precise Cu Nanoclusters: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives in Synthesis and Catalytic Applications

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-024-01555-6
Mengyao Chen
New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
Chengyu Guo
New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
Lubing Qin
New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
Lei Wang
New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
Liang Qiao
Petrochemical Research Institute, PetroChina Company Limited, Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
Kebin Chi
Petrochemical Research Institute, PetroChina Company Limited, Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
Zhenghua Tang
New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Zhenghua Tang

zhht@scut.edu.cn

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 17 (2025), Article Number: 83

Abstract

Atomically precise metal nanoclusters are an emerging type of nanomaterial which has diverse interfacial metal–ligand coordination motifs that can significantly affect their physicochemical properties and functionalities. Among that, Cu nanoclusters have been gaining continuous increasing research attentions, thanks to the low cost, diversified structures, and superior catalytic performance for various reactions. In this review, we first summarize the recent progress regarding the synthetic methods of atomically precise Cu nanoclusters and the coordination modes between Cu and several typical ligands and then discuss the catalytic applications of these Cu nanoclusters with some explicit examples to explain the atomical-level structure–performance relationship. Finally, the current challenges and future research perspectives with some critical thoughts are elaborated. We hope this review can not only provide a whole picture of the current advances regarding the synthesis and catalytic applications of atomically precise Cu nanoclusters, but also points out some future research visions in this rapidly booming field.


Highlights:
1 Summarizing recent advances on synthesis and catalytic applications of Cu nanoclusters.
2 The structure–property–functionality relationship is clearly elucidated.
3 Critical analysis of the current challenges and future perspectives.

Keywords

Atomically precise Cu nanoclusters Controllable synthesis Catalytic applications Structure–performance relationship Challenges and perspectives
Chen, Mengyao, Chengyu Guo, Lubing Qin, Lei Wang, Liang Qiao, Kebin Chi, and Zhenghua Tang. 2024. “Atomically Precise Cu Nanoclusters: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives in Synthesis and Catalytic Applications”. Nano-Micro Letters 17 (December):83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-024-01555-6.
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