Deep Insight into Characterizing the Metal–Support Interface in Heterogeneous Catalysis

Supported metal species are widely used as catalysts in heterogeneous catalysis. Apart from the extended metal surfaces, metal–support interfaces also play a crucial role in catalytic performance due to their distinct electronic and geometric structures. However, the complexity and diversity of the metal–support interfaces hinder further understanding of the nature of the active sites for catalytic reactions. Fortunately, recent advancements in characterization techniques have uncovered deeper insights. This Perspective aims to comprehensively summarize recent breakthroughs in characterizing metal–support interfaces in heterogeneous catalysts. This summary facilitates the interpretation of these interfaces from both macroscopic and microscopic aspects, ultimately contributing to a fundamental understanding of the structure–activity relationship.