Introduction to Single-Atom Catalysis

Highly Active and Renewable Catalytic Electrodes for Two-Electron Oxygen Reduction Reaction

This study has shown that antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) works as a robust "renewable catalyst" for the electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) from water and oxygen. Antimony doping into SnO₂ gives rise to remarkable electrocatalytic activity for two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e^--ORR) by water with a volcano-type relation between the activity and doping levels (x_Sb). Density functional theory simulations highlight the importance of an isolated Sb atom of ATO inducing the high activity and selectivity for 2e^--ORR due to the effects of O₂ adsorption enhancement, decrease in the activation energy, and lowering the adsorptivity of H₂O₂. Electrolysis by a normal three-electrode cell using ATO (x_Sb = 10.2 mol %) at -0.22 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode) stably and continuously produces H₂O₂ with a turnover frequency of 6.6 s^-1. This remarkable activity can be maintained even after removing the surface layer of ATO by argon-ion sputtering.

Single-Atoms on Covalent or Metal-Organic Frameworks: Current Findings and Perspectives for Pollutants Abatement, Hydrogen Evolution, and Reduction of CO2

Nowadays, attention to single-atoms and also porous structures like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) for the preparation of high-performance material is expanding rapidly. These dazzling materials with unprecedented properties have lots of applications, especially as promising catalysts for organic pollutants abatement, hydrogen evolution, reduction of CO₂, etc. To provide an in-depth understanding, in this mini-review, we begin with a brief description and a general background about single-atoms, COFs, as well as MOFs. After considering some fundamentals, the synergism effects, advantages, and their applications are discussed.

Look Better: Single Atoms in Chemistry and Single Atoms in Physics

Fostering fruitful collaboration between chemistry and physics scholars, the analysis of the differences in the practical approach to single atoms in chemistry and in physics affords a number of conceptual outcomes pointing to a more balanced and useful relationship between chemistry and physics.