Transforming Energy with Single-Atom Catalysts

Almost a quarter of the energy consumed globally is directly or indirectly related to the use of a catalytic process. Conventional nanoparticle-based catalysts recently witnessed the dawn of its potential successor—heterogeneous single-atom catalysts (SACs), which allow the maximum possible dispersion of metal atoms on the catalyst surface, possess unparalleled electronic structure and geometric configuration, and exhibit, otherwise, exceptional performance in a range of energy-related applications. Herein, we critically review the use of heterogeneous SACs in the generation and conversion of hydrocarbons, oxygenates, H2 fuel, ammonia, commodity and fine chemicals, and the electrochemical energy storage in and release from batteries. We describe the importance of those energy-related compounds in the current energy infrastructure and discuss how catalysis—in particular, single-atom catalysis—can be used more effectively in each application. At last, general guidelines and trends guiding the future design of stable and efficient single-atom catalysts for sustainable energy transformations are provided.