The shift towards renewable energy sources is sparking significant technological advancements that rely on catalysis, a critical process for generating clean energy by manipulating chemical bonds. This growing interest in renewable energy is part of a global movement towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

In the field of catalysis, there's a particular focus on how core-shell nanoparticles, which are tiny particles composed of a core and a shell made from different metals, can enhance the efficiency of catalytic systems. These systems typically use metal catalysts to speed up chemical reactions, and the unique properties of core-shell nanoparticles offer new possibilities for improving these processes.

What makes nanoparticles especially intriguing is their size, ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers, and their distinctive capabilities compared to larger particles. This has led to their use in various applications, from medical diagnostics to developing compact electronic devices and efficient solar panels. The potential of these nanoparticles in multiple fields highlights the importance of ongoing research and development.

A team of researchers from Skoltech has been at the forefront of exploring the synthesis and application of core-shell nanoparticles. Ilya Chepkasov, a senior research scientist at Skoltech's Energy Transition Center and the leading author of a comprehensive review, shared insights into the team's findings:

"We made a large review where we show how the properties of nanoparticles can be fine-tuned experimentally. The review covers articles over the last 3–4 years. The methods of synthesis and research of nanomaterials are constantly evolving, so now almost every atom can be observed under a microscope, as well as the layers of different metals in such particles. Research has demonstrated that the catalytic activity of particles can be influenced by changes in the number of metal layers."

One of the critical challenges is understanding the composition of the particles' surfaces, which is essential for linking their structural properties to their catalytic capabilities. The team also emphasised the need for new theoretical methods to predict the properties of compounds that have yet to be synthesised or studied experimentally. In this regard, artificial intelligence (AI) advancements present promising opportunities.

Alexander Kvashnin, a co-author of the study and a professor at Skoltech, elaborated on the potential of AI in this research domain:

"Our review is not just a systematic description of previous studies, it is an analysis of previously obtained data and a detailed discussion of promising areas that we have identified based on these data. There are many important directions. One of them is the development of new predictive AI-based methods. They will help quickly and accurately determine the desired properties of the future nanoparticles that can be used as catalysts for various chemical processes."

This collaborative effort to understand and enhance core-shell nanoparticles underscores the dynamic nature of research in catalysis and renewable energy. As these investigations continue to unfold, the findings from such studies are expected to play a crucial role in advancing sustainable energy technologies.

Author:

Isabella Sterling

Content Producer and Writer

Nano Magazine | The Breakthrough 

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