Large-Scale Synthesis of High-Loading Single Metallic Atom Catalysts by a Metal Coordination Route

Abstract

Single atom catalyst (SAC) is one of the most efficient and versatile catalysts with well-defined active sites. However, its facile and large-scale preparation, the prerequisite of industrial applications, has been very challenging. This dilemma originates from the Gibbs–Thomson effect, which renders it rather difficult to achieve high single atom loading (< 3 mol%). Further, most synthesizing procedures are quite complex, resulting in significant mass loss and thus low yields. Herein, a novel metal coordination route is developed to address these issues simultaneously, which is realized owing to the rapid complexation between ligands (e.g., biuret) and metal ions in aqueous solutions and subsequent in situ polymerization of the formed complexes to yield SACs. The whole preparation process involves only one heating step operated in air without any special protecting atmospheres, showing general applicability for diverse transition metals. Take Cu SAC for an example, a record yield of up to 3.565 kg in one pot and an ultrahigh metal loading 16.03 mol% on carbon nitride (Cu/CN) are approached. The as-prepared SACs are demonstrated to possess high activity, outstanding selectivity, and robust cyclicity for CO₂ photoreduction to HCOOH. This research explores a robust route toward cost-effective, massive production of SACs for potential industrial applications.