TiO_(2)-supported Single-atom Catalysts:Synthesis,Structure,and Application

In recent years,single-atom catalysts(SACs)have attracted increasing attention in catalysis.However,their stability is considerably challenging.As a result,fine-tuning the interaction of metal single atoms(SA)with different types of supports has emerged as an effective strategy for improving their thermal and chemical stabilities.Owing to its non-toxicity,cost-effectiveness,high abundance,and excellent stability,as well as presence of rich,tunable,and reliable anchor sites for metal SA,TiO_(2)has been extensively explored as a superior support for SACs.In this review,recent advances of TiO_(2)-supported SACs(M1/TiO_(2))are discussed,and synthetic strategies,structure elucidation,and catalytic applications are summarized.First,the recently developed synthetic strategies for M1/TiO_(2)arehighlighted and summarized,identifying the major challenges for the precise fabrication of M1/TiO_(2).Subsequently,key characterization techniques for the structure identification of M1/TiO_(2)are discussed.Next,catalytic applications of M1/TiO_(2)are highlighted,viz.photocatalysis,electrocatalysis,and thermocatalysis.In addition,the mechanism via geometric structures and electronic states of metal centers facilitate catalytic reactions is outlined.Finally,opportunities and challenges of M1/TiO_(2)in catalysis are discussed,which may inspire the future development of M1/TiO_(2)for multifunctional catalytic applications.

Special Issue of Single-atom Catalysis

Single-atom catalysts(SACs)are a new type of heterogeneous catalysts formed by isolated metal atoms anchored on kinds of substrates.SACs are distinctly distinguished from traditional catalysts by characterizing with unique electronic structure,quantum size effect and unsaturated coordination environment,etc.,which brought subverted effects on traditional catalytic fields once upon the emergence.The unique chemical and physical properties impart SACs with outstanding catalytic performance,embodying nearly 1o0%atom utilization,high catalytic activity and excellent durability.SACs invariably have been the"hotspot"in catalysis research field during the last decade,shining brilliantly in applications of electro-,photo-and thermal catalysis.In particular,the advent of SACs points towards a possibility of the substantial cost reduction of precious metal catalysts in the future.This themed issue selected advanced studies on design,synthesis,characterization,and application of SACs,dedicating to assisting readers in a comprehensively and in-depth understanding of SACs.