Catalytic Properties of Transition Metal Silicides
Summary
Transition metal silicides, comprising compounds such as NiSi, CoSi, MoSi₂ and FeSi₂, combine the advantageous electronic conductivity of metals with the robustness of ceramic materials. Their intrinsic high thermal stability and resistance to sintering make them attractive for catalytic applications under harsh conditions. Surface facets and electronic density of states at silicide interfaces govern adsorption energies of reactant molecules, enabling tailored activation of small molecules such as H₂, CO and hydrocarbons. Nanostructuring and compositing with high-surface-area supports enhance the dispersion of active silicide phases, while doping and interfacial engineering allow precise control over catalytic selectivity and resistance to deactivation. These features have spurred interest in silicide-based catalysts for hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, CO oxidation and hydrocarbon reforming, with potential impact on sustainable energy conversion and environmental remediation technologies.
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Catalytic Properties of Transition Metal Silicides publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in catalytic properties of transition metal silicides across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Transition metal silicide: A compound formed between silicon and a transition metal, exhibiting metallic conductivity, high thermal stability and distinct surface chemistry.
Catalysis: The process by which a substance accelerates a chemical reaction without being consumed, often by providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy.
Heterogeneous catalyst: A catalyst that exists in a different phase from the reactants, typically a solid metal or metal compound facilitating surface-driven reactions.
Nanostructuring: The engineering of materials at the nanometre scale to modify surface area, active site density and electronic properties for enhanced catalytic performance.
References
- In Situ Formation of Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanofiber Surface Using Ceramic Intercalating Agents. Journal of Composites Science (2022).
- Phase evolution of ultra-thin Ni silicide films on CF4 plasma immersion ion implanted Si. Nanotechnology (2020).
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