Bibliometric Analysis of Single-Atom Catalysis: A Scoping Review.

Background: Single-Atom Catalysts (SACs) are heterogeneous catalysts that demonstrate exceptional efficiency and selectivity due to the use of individual metal atoms at the atomic scale. The substantial number of patents filed on SACs underscore their commercial and technological importance, highlighting their potential across various industries. SACs are increasingly applied in areas such as energy generation, environmental applications, and chemical synthesis, reflecting their growing scientific and technical importance.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of existing literature on SACs and the use of bibliometric analysis to identify scientific output and topic patterns of research on SACs.

Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed on 488 papers related to SACs, utilizing the Web of Science database of data collection. Analysis of Co-occurrence of keywords, trending research topics, Citation analysis, Publication areas, the five-year record of Publications, and funding sources were examined using VOS viewer, R software, and Microsoft Excel.

Results: The analysis indicates a steady growth in publication on SACs in recent years, with China leading in research output followed closely by the USA. The highlighting of the global impact and the collaborative nature of SAC research. The study reveals a diverse range of applications and emphasizes the increasing scientific and technical focus on this subject.

Conclusion: This study highlights the essential role of SACs in advancing catalytic science and maps key trends, collaborations, and applications within the field. The bibliometric insights provide valuable guidance for the researchers, pointing to potential applications in energy storage, environmental remediation, and sustainable chemical synthesis. Emerging challenges, such as stability, scalability, and the development of new materials, call for further investigation to unlock the full potential of SACs. These insights support future innovation and exploration in the expanding field of SAC research.