Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

HKUST-1 as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of Vanillin
Published on: July 23, 2016
The Multifaceted Reactivity of Single-Atom Heterogeneous Catalysts
Sharon Mitchell1, Evgeniya Vorobyeva1, Javier Pérez-Ramírez1
1ETH Zurich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Single-atom heterogeneous catalysts (SACs) attached to carefully chosen hosts are attracting considerable interest; principally because they offer maximum utilization per metal atom and are usually readily recyclable. However, diminution of the atomic population of nanoparticles or nanoclusters to single atoms can significantly alter reactivity because of the consequent changes in the active-site structure. By examining various diverse applications, we ascertain whether the performance of SACs is enhanced or suppressed. We also note that SACs generally display unique kinds of catalytic cycles. The choice of host is crucial since it influences both the electronic and steric environment of the metal center. Moreover, it may function as a cocatalyst. All these aspects impact upon the design of new SACs, which exhibit similarities to hetero- and homogeneous predecessors. Additionally, SACs offer a viable replacement of soluble metal complexes in processes that remain difficult to heterogenize.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Structure
Atomic Mass
Atomic Orbitals
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I
The Energies of Atomic Orbitals
The Atomic Theory of Matter

