Highly efficient CeO2-supported noble-metal catalysts: From single atoms to nanoclusters

CeO2 nanomaterials, known for the abundant oxygen vacancies, strong interaction with metals, and controllable synthesis with different exposed crystal facets, serve as one of the most important catalyst supports in heterogeneous catalysis. The CeO2-supported catalysts, especially noble-metal catalysts, have drawn intensive research interests because of their huge significance in both basic academic studies and practical applications. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of highly efficient catalysts where noble-metal single atoms or nanoclusters are supported on CeO2. The catalysts are categorized in terms of the supported noble metals. The uniqueness of applying CeO2 supports for noble-metal sites is discussed, as well as the synthetic strategies. The extraordinary catalytic performances of highly dispersed noble-metal sites on CeO2 are summarized for many reactions, including CO oxidation, water-gas shift reaction, hydroformylation, CH4 conversion, and NH3 synthesis/decomposition. Lastly, perspectives and challenges are concluded as guidance for the future development in this field.