Towards catalytic reactions of Cu single-atom catalysts: Recent progress and future perspective

One of the urgent and challenging topics in diversified sustainable energy conversion is the development of high-performance, low-cost, and well durable catalysts. Cu single-atom catalysts (SACs) have become promising catalysts for diversified sustainable energy conversion due to their capability to maximize the utilization efficiency, acquire modulated electronic structure and optimized binding strength with intermediates. In this review, we have provided an interview of the recent progress achieved in the field of electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and heterogeneous reaction based on Cu SACs. Started by this review, we have summarized some advanced synthetic strategies for the construction of Cu SACs. Subsequently, the performance-improving strategies are discussed in terms of the coordination environments of the reaction center, reaction mechanism and selectivity, based on free energy diagram and electron structure analysis. Finally, the remaining issues, challenges, and opportunities of Cu SACs are also provided, affording a perspective for future studies. This review not only offers us a deep understanding on the catalytic mechanism of Cu SACs for energy conversion, but also encourages more endeavors in prompting their practical application.