CHAPTER 3: Nanocrystal Superlattices: Novel Model Materials for Study of Catalysis

Well-defined extended surfaces under highly controlled conditions are employed as model materials to study catalysis, while the real catalysts used in industrial processes are mainly nanomaterials. Nanomaterials with well-defined structures are greatly helpful to connect information gained from the extended surfaces to real catalysts. Recent developments in self-assembly allowed large-scale fabrication of multi-component superlattices, offering a single periodic architecture that combines the chemical and physical properties from different building blocks to exploit possible synergies. In this chapter, the preparation, characterization and properties of nanocrystal superlattices are discussed. The applications of binary superlattices in searching activity sites and investigating thermal stability are introduced and discussed in depth. It is expected that nanocrystal superlattices will provide a powerful new platform for research in the field of catalysis that bridges traditional studies of single crystals and supported particulate catalysts.