Dynamic Evolution of Catalyst Structure for Tuned Catalytic Performance in CO2 Hydrogenation.

Dynamic structural evolution of a catalyst often occurs during the CO2 hydrogenation reaction, and such controllable evolutions can be utilized to optimize catalyst structure and improve catalytic performance. In this Perspective, we highlight evolution processes caused by the coexistence of both oxidizing and reducing atmospheres in this reaction, including alloying/dealloying from metal diffusion, oxide/metal interface formation driven by strong metal-support interactions, oxide/oxide interface formation driven by strong oxide-support interactions, redispersion of metal and oxide, and chemical phase transformations. These dynamic structural evolutions are determined by the redox potential of the reaction atmosphere and the confinement effect of the microenvironment. Controlling specific dynamic evolution can achieve modulated catalytic performance including improved activity, altered selectivity, and enhanced stability, which provides insight for rational design of catalysts in C1 conversion. To conclude, personal perspectives are provided on constructing active sites with high activity and stability for the target products by using a reaction-induced in situ synthesis method.