Single Atom Catalysts on Carbon‐Based Materials

Abstract

Metal particle size is an important parameter to consider when looking at supported catalyst performances. As for other properties, surface reactivity of metallic nanoparticles is thus highly size‐dependent. The smallest size that can be reached for this type of object is of course the isolated atom deposited on a support. The preparation of single‐atom catalysts (SAC) is not trivial, since to avoid clustering, the mean adsorption energy of the metal on the support should be higher than its cohesive energy. The choice of a support that allows a strongly interacting environment with the metal is therefore a key step in the preparation of such catalysts. The spectrum of carbon (nano)materials is very broad, and their structure as well as their surface chemistry, although sometime complex, can be tuned and exploited for the stabilization of SAC. This Review summarizes in a comprehensive manner experimental and computational studies aiming at: i) preparing SAC on carbon materials, ii) understanding the metal‐support interactions in SAC, and iii) studying how this relates to catalytic performances. The use of SAC follows well the needs dictated by society (energy and environment issues), and many studies have already been published in various fields, such as thermal catalysis, photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.

Carbon‐Rich Nonprecious Metal Single Atom Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction and Hydrogen Evolution

“…Recently, an intensive investigation toward SACs has triggered the development of advanced characterization techniques for the morphologies of catalytic materials and local coordination environments of single metal atoms. However, it is still hard to require comprehensive information derived from any single techniques . As we know, aberration‐corrected high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscope (HAADF‐STEM), atomic‐resolution energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy can bring direct identification of the morphologies, structures, and compositions of active phases featured on carbon‐rich NPMSACs.…”

Graphene-Based Heterogeneous Catalysis: Role of Graphene

“…However, it was recently reported that g-C 3 N 4 generally can support a lower loading than graphene owing to its much stronger interlayer interactions [83]. Readers who are interested in g-C 3 N 4 -doped systems for catalysis are advised to consult other reviews found elsewhere [9,[87][88][89].…”

Single Atoms on Graphene for Energy Storage and Conversion

“…Recently, a variety of strategies have been developed to fabricate different single metal atoms on graphene as catalysts, which exhibit superior electrocatalytic properties in energy conversion and storage. Although there are several reviews that reported the fabrication of single atoms on carbon‐based materials, it is noted that there is no comprehensive review that focuses on the engineering of single atoms on graphene (SAG). In this review, we will summary the recent development of single metal atoms on graphene, including the fabrication strategies, characterization methods, and their electrocatalytic application in the energy conversion and storage, such as ORR, OER, HER, CO 2 RR, and methane oxidation was highlighted ( Figure ).…”