Turning the Inert Element Zinc into an Active Single-Atom Catalyst for Efficient Fenton-Like Chemistry

Amongst various Fenton-like single-atom catalysts (SACs), the zinc (Zn)-related SACs have been barely reported due to the fully occupied 3d¹⁰ configuration of Zn²⁺ being inactive for the Fenton-like reaction. Herein, the inert element Zn is turned into an active single-atom catalyst (SA-Zn-NC) for Fenton-like chemistry by forming an atomic Zn-N₄ coordination structure. The SA-Zn-NC shows admirable Fenton-like activity in organic pollutant remediation, including self-oxidation and catalytic degradation by superoxide radical (O₂ ⋅^- ) and singlet oxygen (¹ O₂ ). Experimental and theoretical results unveiled that the single-atomic Zn-N₄ site with electron acquisition can transfer electrons donated by electron-rich pollutants and low-concentration PMS toward dissolved oxygen (DO) to actuate DO reduction into O₂ ⋅^- and successive conversion into ¹ O₂ . This work inspires an exploration of efficient and stable Fenton-like SACs for sustainable and resource-saving environmental applications.