Single-atom catalysts for energy conversion

Atomically dispersed metal catalysts have attracted great interest in the field of catalysis due to their high atomic utilization and unique properties. Thus far, they have been applied in energy, environment, materials science and other fields, and many methods have been successfully developed for the preparation of single atoms. In this review, the latest advances in single-atom catalysts (SACs) for various energy conversion reactions are introduced. Firstly, the methods for the synthesis of SACs are introduced, focusing on how isolated single metal atoms are anchored on appropriate carriers. Subsequently, we present a comprehensive summary of the rational design of SACs for photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and thermocatalysis, specifically involving hydrogen evolution, carbon dioxide reduction, hydrogen peroxide production, carbon dioxide hydrogenation, and water gas conversion reactions. In each application, the reaction mechanism and the catalytic enhancement mechanism of SACs are discussed. Finally, the potential challenges and future opportunities of single atoms are proposed to provide a systematic reference for the development of SACs in catalytic energy conversion technologies and related devices.