Wet-Chemical Strategy for Atom-Precise Metal Cluster Catalysts

Metal clusters composed of several to several tens of atoms, in general, can be regarded as molecules rather than small nanoparticles. That is, a cluster bearing a different number of atoms is a “different molecule” showing different properties. Therefore, at least ultraprecision control of the size at the one-atom level is a requirement to study and fully utilize clusters. Although these substances sometimes exhibit exceptionally high catalytic activity relative to nanoparticles, highly demanding synthesis is obstructing their application. In this account, we will explain the progress of cluster supported catalyst synthesis technology in recent years and the possibility of large-scale precision synthesis.