Stabilizing Pt–Fe dual-metal single atoms in ZIFs: a pathway to form heterogeneous catalysts

C nanoparticles (NPs) under electron beam exposure at 500 °C, rather than remaining as Fe single atoms (SAs). Additionally, increasing Pt and Fe precursor concentrations in PF-ZIF (denoted as HPF-ZIF) drives a transition from SAs to amorphous nanoclusters (NCs), culminating in crystalline Pt-doped α-Fe NPs, highlighting robust Pt-Fe bonding and temperature-dependent phase transitions. Our findings empower the precise tailoring of synthesis strategies, offer insights into atomic-scale structural evolution mechanisms, and establish fundamental design principles for advancing dual-metal materials.