Supported Ni Single-Atom Catalysts: Synthesis, Structure, and Applications in Thermocatalytic Reactions

Nickel is a well-known catalyst in hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. It is currently used in industrial processes as a homogenous and heterogeneous catalyst. However, to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of catalytic processes, the development of single-atom catalysts (SACs) seems promising. Some SACs have already shown increased activity and stability as compared to nanoparticle catalysts. From year to year, the number of reports devoted to nickel SACs is growing rapidly. Among them, there are very few articles devoted to thermal catalysis, but at the same time, this subject is important. Thus, this review discusses recent advances in the synthesis, structure, and application of nickel SACs, mainly in catalytic hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactions and in the dry reforming of methane. The collected and analyzed data can be useful in the development of novel nickel SACs for various processes.