Platinum Single-Atom Nests Boost Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Non-Oxidative Coupling of Methane to Ethane

This work introduces a new strategy of a single-atom nest catalyst, whereby several single atoms are positioned closely, aiming to achieve the dual benefits of high atom-utilization efficiency while avoiding the steric hindrance in the coupling reaction. As a proof of concept, Pt single-atom nests, where the adjacent Pt single atoms are approximately 4 Å apart, are precisely engineered on the TiO₂ photocatalyst for photocatalytic non-oxidative coupling of methane. The Pt single-atom nest photocatalyst demonstrates remarkable activity, achieving a C₂H₆ yield and turnover frequency of 251.6 μmol g_cat^-1 h^-1 and 20 h^-1, respectively, representing a 3.2-fold improvement compared to the Pt single-atom photocatalyst. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the Pt single-atom nest can significantly decrease the energy barrier for the activation of both CH₄ molecules in the coupling process.