Size‐Dependent Structural Transitions Dictate Synergy and Function in Ni‐Ru Bimetallic Catalysts

S Shiyu Zhang (Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohios 43210, United States) Y Yi Gao (Photon Science Research Center for Carbon Dioxide and State Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Catalysis and Carbon Dioxide Utilization, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute) S Shaojun Xu (Department of Chemical Engineering) X Xuan Bie (Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of CO2 Utilization and Reduction Technology, Department of Energy and Power Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China) J Juntian Niu (College of Electrical and Power Engineering Taiyuan University of Technology Taiyuan Shanxi 030024 China) Q Qinghai Li (Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of CO2 Utilization and Reduction Technology, Department of Energy and Power Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China) Y Yanguo Zhang (Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of CO2 Utilization and Reduction Technology, Department of Energy and Power Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China) H Hui Zhou (Department of Chemistry and Materials)

Abstract

Abstract Precise control over synergistic interactions is essential for the rational design of bimetallic catalysts, yet the governing role of metal particle size remains elusive. Here, we uncover a general size‐dependent principle that dictates structural and functional transitions in Ni‐Ru/CeO 2 catalysts during the co‐conversion of biomass and CO 2 . Atomically dispersed Ni and Ru sites on CeO 2 exhibit pronounced synergistic effects that markedly enhance CO 2 reforming of biomass, arising from the presence of independent metallic sites. In contrast, Ni nanoparticles with interspersed Ru form Ni‐Ru alloys that confer exceptional stability with only moderate activity loss. This size‐dependent structural transition induces a functional switch governing reaction pathway, coke deposition from encapsulated carbon to carbon nanotubes, and the trade‐off between catalytic activity and durability. These findings elucidate the mechanistic basis of size‐dependent interactions in Ni‐Ru bimetallic systems and guide the rational design of stable, high‐performance catalysts.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 65, Issue 9
Published February 23, 2026
ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Wiley

ISSN: 1433-7851 Physical Sciences

Authors (8)

S

Shiyu Zhang

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohios 43210, United States

Y

Yi Gao

Photon Science Research Center for Carbon Dioxide and State Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Catalysis and Carbon Dioxide Utilization, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute

S

Shaojun Xu

Department of Chemical Engineering

X

Xuan Bie

Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of CO2 Utilization and Reduction Technology, Department of Energy and Power Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China

J

Juntian Niu

College of Electrical and Power Engineering Taiyuan University of Technology Taiyuan Shanxi 030024 China

Q

Qinghai Li

Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of CO2 Utilization and Reduction Technology, Department of Energy and Power Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China

Y

Yanguo Zhang

Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of CO2 Utilization and Reduction Technology, Department of Energy and Power Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P.R. China

H

Hui Zhou

Department of Chemistry and Materials