Unlocking the Potential of Heterogeneous Single-Atom Catalysts for Renewable Energy Systems: From Foundation to Application

Abstract

The development of green energy storage and conversion devices is vital for addressing global environmental challenges and pursuing carbon-neutral energy solutions. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) exhibit the benefits of maximum atom utilization efficiency, unique catalytic activity, and exceptional selectivity, holding promise for next-generation sustainable energy systems. However, the practical deployment of SACs in renewable energy devices is hindered by the propensity of atomically dispersed metal species to sintering and aggregation during synthesis or high-temperature operation. This review provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the design, synthesis, and stabilization of well-dispersed SACs on diverse supports with tunable electronic and structural properties, focusing on synthesis strategies that precisely regulate atomic dispersion, advanced methods of probing atomic-scale active sites, and key breakthroughs in SAC-based electrode applications. Potential and existing barriers hindering large-scale SAC commercialization are emphasized. Valuable insights into the structure–function relationships of SACs are provided, and future directions for developing efficient, durable, and scalable SACs for green energy storage and conversion technologies are outlined.