Introduction to Supported Metal Single Atom Catalysis

Deactivation of Pd/C catalysts by irreversible loss of hydrogen spillover ability of the carbon support

“…One way to address this issue is to increase the metal dispersion. The ultimate dispersion achievable for a supported catalyst is where the metal atoms are all isolated from each other as in supported metal single-atom catalysts (SAC), [5] and numerous reviews can be found on this topic [6]. However, even if the chemical reactivity and cooperativity [7] of SAC are the objects of intensive research, the main challenge remains the catalyst production, stability, and characterization [8][9][10].…”

Synergy Between Supported Metal Single Atoms and Nanoparticles and their Relevance in Catalysis

“…The use of catalytic entities having only one metal atom is the normality in homogeneous catalysis; and has become since the beginning of this century a prominent research field in supported catalysis. [1] In homogeneous catalysis, the first coordination sphere around the metal ensures the catalytic performance and the stability of the coordination complex, which can if adequately tuned withstand drastic conditions, such as for the Rh-or Ir-catalyzed carbonylation of methanol. [2] The same thing prevails when isolated metal atoms (without molecular ligand) are immobilized on a solid support, [3] and intrinsic thermodynamic stability (chelate effect of the support), kinetic stability and dynamic stability are key factors in determining the reactivity of single atom catalysts (SACs).…”

“…The use of catalytic entities having only one metal atom is the normality in homogeneous catalysis; and has become since the beginning of this century a prominent research field in supported catalysis [1] . In homogeneous catalysis, the first coordination sphere around the metal ensures the catalytic performance and the stability of the coordination complex, which can if adequately tuned withstand drastic conditions, such as for the Rh‐ or Ir‐catalyzed carbonylation of methanol [2] .…”