@article{Wang2026, 
author = {Jie Wang and Yuecheng Xiong and Hao Zeng and Yishui Tang and Weihao Zhong and Yuan Shi and Dan Wu and Fumei Wang and Jian Zhou and Xichen Zhou and Zhanxi Fan},
title = {Grain boundary engineering of metal-based nanomaterials for electrocatalysis},
year = {2026},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {19},
number = {8},
pages = {94908534},
keywords = {metal nanomaterials, grain boundary, electrocatalysis, electrosynthesis, energy conversion},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2026.94908534},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2026.94908534},
abstract = {Grain boundary (GB), as a type of two-dimensional defect in nanocrystals, has recently been identified as a kind of highly active site for various electrocatalytic reactions, such as hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), nitrogen/nitrate reduction reaction (NRR/NO3RR), CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and alcohol oxidation reaction (methanol/ethanol oxidation reaction (MOR/EOR)). However, there is still a lack of comprehensive reviews examining how GB engineering affects catalytic activity. In this review, we summarize recent advances in GB-engineered metal-based nanomaterials, highlight the remarkable effects of GB, and discuss the structure–performance relationship of GB-rich nanocrystals in electrocatalytic reactions. First, we introduce the synthesis and characterization of GB-engineered nanocatalysts. Next, we thoroughly discuss the relationship between the structure and performance of GB-engineered nanocatalysts. Finally, we outline the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, i.e., GB engineering of nanocatalysts.}
}