Microenvironment Modulation in Carbon-Supported Single-Atom Catalysts for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (ECRR) offers a viable route for CO2 mitigation and carbon balance.
• Carbon-supported single-atom catalysts (C-SACs) are emerging as efficient and economical catalysts for ECRR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in microenvironment modulation of C-SACs for improved ECRR.
• To provide insights into the current research landscape and guide the rational design of high-performance C-SACs.

Main Methods:

• Focus on strategies for tuning the electronic structure of metal atoms in C-SACs.
• Investigate the impact of coordination environment, including coordination numbers and hetero-atom coordination.
• Analyze the role of diatomic sites in catalyst performance.

Main Results:

• Microenvironment modulation significantly influences the ECRR activity of C-SACs.
• Specific adjustments in coordination and diatomic sites lead to enhanced catalytic efficiency.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for catalyst optimization.

Conclusions:

• The microenvironment plays a critical role in the performance of C-SACs for ECRR.
• Further research into rational design based on microenvironment control is essential.
• This review consolidates current knowledge to facilitate future catalyst development.