Scientists propose new method for large-scale production of thermally stable single-atom catalysts

A research group led by Prof. Qiao Botao from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has proposed a new method for large-scale production of thermally stable single-atom catalysts (SACs) with high metal loading. Their findings were published in Nature Communications on Mar. 9.

SACs can maximize precious metal utilization and generate well-defined and uniform active sites. However, large-scale production of thermally stable SACs, especially in a simple way, remains a challenge.

The researchers mixed RuO₂ powder with high surface Fe-containing spinel support. After high-temperature calcination (900 degrees C), they found that the submicron RuO₂ powder directly dispersed into Ru single atoms.

Detailed studies revealed that different from the traditional gas atom trapping approach, the dispersion of RuO₂ was promoted, and the atom was trapped and stabilized by a strong covalent metal-support interaction with FeOx in the spinel support.

In addition, the obtained Ru SAC showed excellent thermal stability and improved activity for N2O decomposition. This environmentally friendly and low-cost preparation method could achieve kilogram-level production of commercial Fe₂O₃ supported Ru SAC, and paves the way toward large-scale production of thermally stable SACs for industrial applications.