Highly active and stable Ir nanoclusters derived from Ir₁/MgAl₂O₄ single-atom catalysts

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) prepared by the atom trapping method often possess high stability yet have limited advantages regarding catalytic performance due to the strong metal-support interaction. Using these SACs as seeds to develop supported nanoclusters or nanoparticles has, however, been proven to be effective in improving the catalysts' intrinsic activity. Herein, we have prepared extremely stable Ir SACs supported by MgAl₂O₄ via atomic trapping and used them as seeds to fabricate highly active and stable Ir nanocluster catalysts by high-temperature reduction. The activity toward N₂O decomposition increased by more than ten times compared with that of the parent Ir SACs. This study provides a new avenue to design and develop highly active and stable catalysts for industrial use.