Atomic-Level Synergistic Catalysts: Single-Atom Site Integrated with Atom, Cluster and Nanoparticle

The emerging atomic-level synergistic catalysts based on the single-atom sites and other valuable components, such as atom, cluster, nanoparticle and other nano-matter, shine in various catalytic fields. They can integrate the advantages of individual catalytic sites and other valuable components to enhance the activity, selectivity and stability of many chemical reactions via activating their key rate-determining steps and multistep transformations. In addition, because of the ultrahigh atom utilization (~100 %) and adjustable microenvironment of metal centers, the single-atom sites can intelligently construct with other useful large size sites to strengthening in tandem a typical catalytic process. Herein, the structure and mechanism of atomic-level synergistic catalysts with controllable electronic structures and regulatory reaction processes are presented. We particularly emphasize the interactions between active components of atomic-level synergistic catalysts and catalytic reaction processes, which are essential for understanding how these catalysts are cooperatively working. It is anticipated that this minireview can make the promotion of advanced atomic-level synergistic catalysts based on single-atom sites.