Growth of Nanoparticles with Desired Catalytic Functions by Controlled Doping-Segregation of Metal in Oxide

The size and morphology of metal nanoparticles (NPs) often play a critical role in defining the catalytic performance of supported metal nanocatalysts. However, common synthetic methods struggle to produce metal NPs of appropriate size and morphological control. Thus, facile synthetic methods that offer controlled catalytic functions are highly desired. Here we have identified a new pathway to synthesize supported Rh nanocatalysts with finely tuned spatial dimensions and controlled morphology using a doping-segregation method. We have analyzed their structure evolutions during both the segregation process and catalytic reaction using a variety of in situ spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. A correlation between the catalytic functional sites and activity in CO₂ hydrogenation over supported Rh nanocatalysts is then established. This study demonstrates a facile strategy to design and synthesize nanocatalysts with desired catalytic functions.