Catalytic Conversion of CO2 over Atomically Precise Gold-Based Cluster Catalysts

There are obstacles with using conventional nanoparticle catalysts for developing atomic-by-atom tailoring of active sites in the heterogeneous catalysis field. However, atomically precise metal clusters with precise formulas and crystallographically determined structures, which may build a bridge between single atoms and nanoparticles, may become possible to unravel the respective contributions of every atom in a cluster to its overall catalytic performances and build the structure–property relationship at an atomic-precision level. In this Review, we will first describe recent advances of CO2 electronic reduction catalyzed by Au-based clusters including pure gold and its alloys. We will then put a particular emphasis on chemical fixation of CO2 into organic molecules, such as alkyne, epoxide, and amine, over gold cluster catalysts. Additionally, we will concisely introduce the discovery of catalytic selectivity of the Au-based clusters in CO2 hydrogenation toward C1 and C2 products. Finally, we will provide our perspectives on some issues for catalytic conversion of CO2 over atomically precise metal clusters in future catalysis research.