Controlled synthesis and electrocatalytic applications of atomically precise AuAg nanoclusters: a review

Bimetallic nanoclusters possess tunable physicochemical properties, improved performance, and enhanced stability for versatile applications. Among that, atomically precise AuAg nanoclusters have an important position in the series of bimetallic nanocluster thanks to the easy preparation and crystallization, unique electronic structure, and robust stability. In this review, the general introduction of bimetallic nanoclusters and the uniqueness of AuAg nanoclusters are firstly explained. Then, the main strategies for controlled synthesis of AuAg nanoclusters are summarized with some cases to demonstrate the workflow and potential limitations. Following that, the atomically precise AuAg nanoclusters toward electrocatalytic applications including overall water splitting (OWS), CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR), urea electrosynthesis are discussed. In this major part, some carefully chosen examples are analyzed to disclose the atomical level structure-performance relationship and understand the fundamental reaction mechanism. Finally, the facing challenges and future outlooks in this field are discussed critically.