Noble metal nanomaterials with unconventional crystal phases for heterogeneous catalysis

Noble metal nanomaterials with unconventional crystal phases have greatly expanded the research output in the nanoscale realm. Over the past two decades, with unprecedentedly promising and beneficial results yielded in the controlled synthesis of noble metal nanomaterials for various profitable applications in both academia and industry, the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology have advanced rapidly, continuing to inspire researchers and engineers alike to push the boundary of endless possibilities. Of the notable applications where they are widely employed, heterogeneous catalysis is attracting growing attention owing to the greatly improved efficiency and performances brought about by the utilization of noble metal nanomaterials due to their high specific surface areas available as active catalytic sites. This thesis focuses mainly on the controlled synthesis of noble metal nanomaterials with unconventional/metastable crystal phases and their proof-of-concept applications in heterogeneous catalysis. In particular, plasmonic noble metals such as gold (Au) and silver (Ag) as well as catalytic noble metals such as palladium (Pd) and platinum (Pt) were centered on for investigating their structure-property relationships and elaborating on their structure-dictated catalytic performances. Detailed analysis concerning their properties was also rendered for a deeper understanding toward potential future design of new functional nanomaterials. In the end, an outlook on current opportunities in the fields was provided to illustrate the challenges facing scientists.Doctor of Philosoph