Short-to-medium-range order in amorphous nanocatalysts

Amorphous nanocatalysts have attracted significant attention due to their outstanding catalytic performance. Recent research has indicated that the performance of amorphous nanocatalysts is closely related to the short-to-medium-range order. This perspective aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the latest advances in understanding the significance of short-to-medium-range order in amorphous nanocatalysts and its correlation with catalytic performance. This perspective commences by presenting advanced methods employed for characterizing the short-to-medium-range order of amorphous nanocatalysts, including nanobeam electron diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy, atomic electron tomography, pair distribution function, and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Next, the effect of short-to-medium-range order in determining the properties of amorphous nanocatalysts is discussed. Current challenges faced in amorphous nanocatalysts are eventually summarized with several prospective research directions. By identifying the obstacles and potential avenues for further exploration, this perspective aims to contribute valuable insights that will propel the development of high-efficient amorphous nanocatalysts.