The Optimized Catalytic Performance of Single‐Atom Catalysts by Incorporating Atomic Clusters or Nanoparticles: In‐Depth Understanding on Their Synergisms

Abstract

The performance optimization of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) is important but remains challenging. Taking advantage of accompanying in situ formation of atomic clusters (ACs)/nanoparticles (NPs) during the preparation of SACs can be a promising solution. The coupled ACs/NPs and single atoms (SAs) can be highly efficient in catalyzing various reactions (e.g., oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), N2 oxidation reaction (NOR), etc), showing superior activity, selectivity, and stability. The mechanisms can be mainly categorized as ACs/NPs intensified SAs, SAs intensified ACs/NPs, and reactions proceeding on both ACs/NPs and SAs. The proposed mechanisms may be applicable to rationalize the excellent catalysts consisting of ACs/NPs and SAs. In the end, the existing issues and further development directions are put forward. This review is expected to simultaneously contribute to the development and application of highly efficient SACs and the in‐depth understanding of the single‐atom catalysis (SAC).

Recent Progress of Studies on Photoconversion and Photothermal Conversion of CO2 with Single-Atom Catalysts

“…The study of active sites has evolved from isolated metal mono-atoms to non-metallic mono-atoms, diatoms, etc. In the past decade, single-atom catalysts have been widely used, including hydrogen production from water cracking, CO 2 resource conversion, N 2 fixation, and environmental remediation. − The catalytic behavior of single atoms can be modulated by metal–support interactions and coordination environments. As reported by Li et al, the use of single-atom Pd modified CdS photocatalysts to achieve efficient water splitting to produce hydrogen under simulated sunlight .…”

Atomically dispersed multi-site catalysts: bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts boost flexible zinc–air battery performance

“…Mo et al . 181 was further emphasize the single atoms and clusters synergistic interactions, which can adjust the reaction pathway of ORR. The adsorption of O 2 on the Fe–N–C catalyst extend the O–O bond to 0.08 Å.…”

Synergistic effect between Co single atoms and Pt nanoparticles for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution

“…Recent research has shown that the coordination environment of atomic sites can be readily adjusted through the manipulation of pyrolysis cycles and temperatures, facilitating the coexistence of single atoms and particles in singleatom/particle composites (SA/PCs) [23][24][25]. Furthermore, the integration of diverse metal species into SA/PCs, particularly those comprising heterogeneous elements, not only diversifies the selection of metals but also provides more versatile control strategies, thereby deepening our understanding of the structure-activity relationship [26][27][28][29][30]. Notably, the interaction between transition metal single atoms and Pt particles effectively catalyzes the water splitting in acidic environments, attributed to their superior OH − affinity.…”