Intermetallic compounds in catalysis – a versatile class of materials meets interesting challenges

The large and vivid field of intermetallic compounds in catalysis is reviewed to identify necessities, strategies and new developments making use of the advantageous catalytic properties of intermetallic compounds. Since recent reviews summarizing contributions in heterogeneous catalysis as well as electrocatalysis are available, this contribution is not aiming at a comprehensive literature review. To introduce the field, first the interesting nature of intermetallic compounds is elaborated – including possibilities as well as requirements to address catalytic questions. Subsequently, this review focuses on exciting developments and example success stories of intermetallic compounds in catalysis. Since many of these are based on recent advances in synthesis, a short overview of synthesis and characterisation is included. Thus, this contribution aims to be an introduction to the newcomer as well as being helpful to the experienced researcher by summarising the different approaches. Selected examples from literature are chosen to illustrate the versatility of intermetallic compounds in heterogeneous catalysis where the emphasis is on developments since the last comprehensive review in the field.