Abstract
Single-atom alloys that consist of a catalytically active metal atomically dispersed in a less-catalytic metal host have recently attracted significant concern from worldwide researchers. The unique geometric and electronic properties of single-atom alloys enable both facile dissociation of reactants and weak adsorption of intermediates on the surface, representing two highly desirable elements for efficient and selective catalysis. This review article provides an overview of recent progress in the synthesis and properties of single-atom alloys in heterogeneous catalysis. First, we summarize recent advances in the controllable synthesis of single-atom alloys with various metal combinations. Second, we introduce key characterization techniques, especially operando spectroscopic techniques for the identification of the geometric and electronic structures of diluted active metal atoms in single-atom alloys. Then, we discuss how these geometric and electronic properties of single-atom alloys affect their catalytic performances and thoroughly comprehend the reaction mechanism. Finally, insights into the current challenges and future prospects of single-atom alloys are provided.
摘要
在惰性金属表面掺入原子级分散催化活性金属制备而成的单原 子合金近年来引起了科研界的极大关注. 单原子合金表面独特的几何 和电子性质加速了反应物分子的解离并弱化了中间物种的吸附, 使其 在诸多催化反应中表现出高活性和高选择性. 本文总结了单原子合金 的结构特征和催化反应性能的最新进展. 我们首先列举了一系列单原 子合金的可控合成方法, 并进一步总结了高端表征技术, 特别是原位光 谱技术用于识别单原子合金中活性金属原子的几何和电子结构的方 法. 然后, 我们结合多种催化反应, 深入探究了单原子合金的几何与电 子特性与催化性能之间的构效关系. 最后探讨了单原子合金当前面临 的挑战和未来的前景.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22102080) and Science Foundation of China University of Petroleum, Beijing (ZX20230067).
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Author contributions Sun X and Xu C proposed the overall concept. Sun X and Song Y wrote the paper. All authors contributed to the general discussion.
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Xiaohui Sun received his PhD degree in chemical engineering from Delft University of Technology. He did his postdoctoral research at Delft University of Technology and Tsinghua University. He is now an associate professor at the College of Carbon Neutrality Future Technology, China University of Petroleum (Beijing). His research interests mainly focus on material synthesis and CO2 conversion and utilization.
Chunming Xu received his PhD degree in chemical engineering from China University of Petroleum (Beijing). He is the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Dean of the College of Carbon Neutrality Future Technology at China University of Petroleum (Beijing). His research interests mainly focus on new energy technology, heavy oil chemistry and clean fuel production.
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Sun, X., Song, Y., Jiang, G. et al. Fundamentals and catalytic applications of single-atom alloys. Sci. China Mater. 67, 1–17 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-023-2713-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-023-2713-6