Current state and future prospects of liquid metal catalysis

Abstract

The need for advances in the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals has accelerated the push for innovation in catalytic systems that enable progress in chemical science and other technologies. Liquid metals have recently gained traction as an emerging class of catalysts that offer exciting sets of features, strengths and challenges. Here we provide insights into how current advances in liquid metal chemistry can be leveraged for an already burgeoning field of catalysis. By reflecting on recent demonstrations of efficient liquid metal-driven catalytic systems and leveraging the recent advancements in the chemistry of liquid metals, we glance at applications that stand to benefit from this class of catalysts, particularly in supporting oxidation, reduction and chemical looping reactions. Moreover, we explain how the utilization of next-generation liquid metal catalysts is being shaped by current reactor designs and highlight how a series of analogies with homogeneous catalysts can inform the effective deployment of liquid metal catalysts. Thanks to a unique set of properties, liquid metal catalysts provide advantages compared to traditional solid systems, yet their potential in heterogeneous catalysis has not been fully explored. This Perspective identifies some of the key advances in the field of liquid metal catalysis, discussing areas where progress is expected through further fundamental understanding as well as reactor engineering.