Single-Atom Catalysts (SACs) for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction with H2O: Activity, Product Selectivity, Stability, and Surface Chemistry

In recent years, single-atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted the interest of researchers owing to their suitability for various catalytic applications. For instance, their optoelectronic features, site-specific activity, and cost-effectiveness make SACs ideal for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The activity, product selectivity, and photostability of SACs depend on various factors such as the nature of the metal/support material, the interaction between the metal atoms and support, light-harvesting ability, charge separation behavior, CO2 adsorption ability, active sites, and defects. Consequently, it is necessary to investigate these factors in depth to elucidate the working principle(s) of SACs for catalytic applications. Herein, the recent progress in the development of SACs for photocatalytic CO2 reduction with H2O is reviewed. First, a brief overview of CO2 photoreduction and SACs for CO2 conversion is provided. Several synthesis strategies and useful techniques for characterizing SACs employed in heterogeneous catalysis are then described. Next, the challenges of SACs for photocatalytic CO2 reduction and related optimization strategies, in terms of activity, product selectivity, and stability, are explored. The progress in the development of noble metal- and transition metal-based SACs and dual-SACs for photocatalytic CO2 reduction is discussed. Finally, the prospects of SACs for CO2 reduction are considered.