Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2017, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (9): 1528-1539.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(17)62770-0

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Preparation, characterization and catalytic performance of single-atom catalysts

Liqiong Wanga, Liang Huanga, Feng Liangb, Simin Liub, Yuhua Wangc, Haijun Zhanga   

  1. a The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, Hubei, China;
    b School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, Hubei, China;
    c Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Science in Metallurgical Process, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, Hubei, China
  • Received:2016-10-29 Revised:2016-12-19 Online:2017-09-18 Published:2017-09-06
  • Contact: 10.1016/S1872-2067(17)62770-0
  • Supported by:

    This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51472184 and 51472185), the Science and Technology Support Pro-gram of Hubei Province (2013BHE003), and the Program for Innovative Teams of Outstanding Young and Middle-Aged Researchers in the Higher Education Institutions of Hubei Province (T201602).

Abstract:

Supported and colloidal single-atom catalysts (SACs), which possess excellent catalytic properties, are particularly important in both fundamental studies and practical applications. The progress made in the preparation methods, characterization, catalytic performances and mechanisms of SACs anchored to metal oxides, two-dimensional materials and the surface of metal nanoclusters (NCs) are reviewed. The different techniques for SAC fabrication, including conventional solution methods based on co-precipitation, incipient wetness co-impregnation, and the chemical vapor deposition method, as well as the newer atom layer deposition (ALD) and galvanic replacement methods, are summarized. The main results from experimental and theoretical studies of various catalytic reac-tions over SACs, including oxidation reactions, hydrogenation, water gas shift, photocatalytic H2 evolution and electrochemical reactions, are also discussed. Moreover, the electronic properties of the single atoms and their interactions with the supports are described to assist in understanding the origin of the high catalytic activity and selectivity of SACs. Finally, possible future research di-rections of SACs and their applications are proposed.

Key words: Single atom catalyst, Preparation method, Catalytic activity, Characterization, Electronic properties