Research Progress in Metal–Support Interactions for Enhancing the Catalytic Oxidation of Formaldehyde

This review focuses on environmental catalysis, specifically the catalytic oxidation of indoor formaldehyde (HCHO) over noble metal–supported catalysts under ambient conditions, rather than on process catalysis for chemical synthesis or industrial process optimization. Noble metal–supported catalysts exhibit superior catalytic activity, versatility, and accessibility, making them highly promising for the catalytic oxidation of HCHO under ambient conditions. In the process of defining catalytic performance, metal–support interactions (MSIs), which are characterized by the alteration of active site availability, electronic structure tuning, and increased dispersion of metal nanoparticles, play a vital role. These interactions are among the many influencing aspects that play a role. This review comprehensively analyzes recent advancements in the mechanisms underlying MSIs, particularly focusing on strong metal–support interactions (SMSIs) and electronic metal–support interactions (EMSIs). It aims to establish a comprehensive theoretical framework for atomic-level catalyst design optimization by clarifying how SMSIs and EMSIs accurately control charge transfer and catalytic active-site creation. Furthermore, the review highlights current challenges and future perspectives in utilizing MSIs for efficient HCHO oxidation, facilitating the development of advanced catalysts for practical indoor air purification.