Recent Advances of Single-Atom-Alloy for Energy Electrocatalysis

Single-atom-alloys (SAAs), as an emerging kind of materials, combine the advantages of alloy and single-atom catalysts. The full atomic utilization of active sites and well-defined bonding environments in SAAs lead to superior electrocatalytic performance and give a deep insight into the structural-activity relationship. In this review, the recent advances of SAAs in various electrochemical reactions are highlighted for further designing of highly effective electrocatalysts. This review starts with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of several effects, which influence the electrocatalytic activities. Then the preparation and characterization methods on SAAs are listed and compared. Next, the recent advances of SAAs in hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, alcohol/hydrogen/formic acid oxidation reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, etc. are illustrated and discussed in detail. Finally, the challenges and suggestions for the future development of SAAs in energy-conversion electrocatalysis are presented.