The chemical effect of a selenium atom on the catalytic site of precious metals

Transition metal selenides constitute a family of materials used for multi-electron charge transfer reactions (e.g. hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction) in which activity, selectivity, and tolerance are required. Here we review the engineering of such structures focused on the selenization process of nanoparticulate precious metals supported or not on carbon. The chemical/electrochemical process of selenization proceeding through a so-called soft chemistry route, in which each species (cationic, anionic) interacts under conditions dictated by the solvent medium, is briefly described. The electronic effect of the synthesized materials subjected to the modification effects leading to undefined and/or defined phases (via chemical coordination) of the surface of the metallic atoms is reviewed.