Engineering single-atom photocatalysts for sustainable applications

Research on single-atom photocatalysts (SAPCs) has been rapidly expanding, driven by their nearly 100% atom utilization efficiency, tunable electronic structures, and unique metal-support interactions. Significant advances have been made in the synthesis of highly active SAPCs through various innovative strategies as well as in understanding the underlying mechanisms of charge transfer and trapping, which are critical for enhancing photocatalytic performance. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent progress in the properties, regulation strategies and charge dynamics of state-of-the-art SAPCs. It also highlights their sustainable applications in environmental remediation and solar fuel production. Ultimately, this review aims to establish a foundational framework that deepens the comprehensive understanding of this burgeoning field and supports the rational design and practical applications of high-performance SAPCs.