Long-range interactions driving neighboring Fe–N4 sites in Fenton-like reactions for sustainable water decontamination

Actualizing efficient and sustainable environmental catalysis is essential in global water pollution control. The single-atom Fenton-like process, as a promising technique, suffers from reducing potential environmental impacts of single-atom catalysts (SACs) synthesis and modulating functionalized species beyond the first coordination shell. Herein, we devised a high-performance SAC possessing impressive Fenton-like reactivity and extended stability by constructing abundant intrinsic topological defects within carbon planes anchored with Fe−N4 sites. Coupling atomic Fe−N4 moieties and adjacent intrinsic defects provides potent synergistic interaction. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the intrinsic defects optimize the d-band electronic structure of neighboring Fe centers through long-range interactions, consequently boosting the intrinsic activity of Fe−N4 sites. Life cycle assessment and long-term steady operation at the device level indicate promising industrial-scale treatment capability for actual wastewater. This work emphasizes the feasibility of synergistic defect engineering for refining single-atom Fenton-like chemistry and inspires rational materials design toward sustainable environmental remediation. Non-metallic functionalized species in single-atom catalysts potentially contribute to catalytic performance. Herein, the authors report a long range interaction induced by intrinsic carbon defects to enhance the Fenton-like reactivity and stability of adjacent single-atom sites.