Progress and challenge of functional single-atom catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds

The catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is of considerable significance for the sustainable development of the chemical industry; thus, considerable efforts have been devoted to the exploration of efficient catalysts for use in this reaction. In this regard, the development and utilization of single-atom catalysts (SACs) in VOCs decomposition is a rapidly expanding research area. SACs can be employed as potential catalysts for oxidizing VOC molecules due to their optimal utilization efficiency, unique atomic bonding structures, and unsaturated orbits. Progress has been achieved, while the challenges surrounding precise regulation of the microstructures of SACs for improving their low-temperature efficiency, stability, and product selectivity under practical conditions are remaining. Therefore, elucidating structure-performance relationships and establishing intrinsic modulating mechanisms are urgently required for guiding researchers on how to synthesize effective and stable functional SACs proactively. Herein, recent advances in the design and synthesis of functional SACs for application in the catalytic oxidation of VOCs are summarized. The experimental and theoretical studies revealing higher efficiency, stability, and selectivity of as-prepared functional SACs are being highlighted. Accordingly, the future perspectives in terms of promising catalysts with multi-sized composite active sites and the illustration of intrinsic mechanism are proposed. The rapid intelligent screening of applicable SACs and their industrial applications are also discussed.