Natural Surface Frustrated Lewis Pairs: The Concept and Beyond

The reusable and separable surface frustrated Lewis pairs (SFLPs) open up a novel approach to efficient small-molecule activation and conversion in heterogeneous catalysis. However, SFLPs have only been reported on limited systems due to the difficulty in the design and synthesis process. The inherent Lewis pairs on various solid materials offer promising opportunities for finding natural SFLPs, providing a straightforward and efficient strategy to overcome the current limitations. In this concept, we retrospect the concept of natural SFLPs proposed on wurtzite crystal surfaces and identify other natural SFLPs that probably exist on solid materials, including reduced oxide surfaces, corrugated graphene, and perovskite quantum dots. Having focused on the reactivity of natural SFLPs in small-molecule activation, we discuss the current challenges, propose possible research directions, and highlight potential applications of natural SFLPs in heterogeneous catalysis.