Engineering metal-support interaction to construct catalytic interfaces and redisperse metal nanoparticles

The strength of metal-support interaction (MSI) significantly impacts the interface of supported metal catalysts, making it an effective tool to steer the properties of dispersed metals. Strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) is a distinct phenomenon within the broader concept of MSI. In this review, the encapsulation phenomena induced by the classic SMSI effect are discussed. The focus is on how to modulate the SMSI effects to construct new interfaces and redisperse the aggregated metals and particularly on distinguishing the dynamic structure formed in the transient reaction. Moreover, neotype SMSIs of metal/carbide (nitride) with their characteristic properties of dispersed metals in a single-atom and/or layer-like structure and their distinguished catalytic performance are addressed. Furthermore, the properties of constructed dual interfaces triggered by metal redispersion from oxides to carbide/nitride substrates are highlighted. Challenges and perspectives with respect to precise control of SMSI and an understanding of SMSI-induced dynamic structural transformation are provided.