Chemical Synthesis of Single Atomic Site Catalysts

Manipulating metal atoms in a controllable way for the synthesis of materials with the desired structure and properties is the holy grail of chemical synthesis. The recent emergence of single atomic site catalysts (SASC) demonstrates that we are moving toward this goal. Owing to the maximum efficiency of atom-utilization and unique structures and properties, SASC have attracted extensive research attention and interest. The prerequisite for the scientific research and practical applications of SASC is to fabricate highly reactive and stable metal single atoms on appropriate supports. In this review, various synthetic strategies for the synthesis of SASC are summarized with concrete examples highlighting the key issues of the synthesis methods to stabilize single metal atoms on supports and to suppress their migration and agglomeration. Next, we discuss how synthesis conditions affect the structure and catalytic properties of SASC before ending this review by highlighting the prospects and challenges for the synthesis as well as further scientific researches and practical applications of SASC.