Transition Metal Single Atoms Constructed by Using Inherent Confined Space

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) show expressively enhanced activity toward diverse reactions due to maximized atomic utilization of metal sites, while their facile, universal, and massive preparation remains a pronounced challenge. Here we report a facile strategy for the preparation of SACs by use of the inherent confined space between the template and silica walls in template-occupied mesoporous silica SBA-15 (TOS). Different transition metal precursors can be introduced into the confined space readily by grinding, and during succeeding calcination single atoms are constructed in the form of M-O- Si (M = Cu, Co, Ni, and Zn). In addition to the generality, the present strategy is easy to scale up and can allow the synthesis of 10 g of SACs in one pot through ball milling. The Cu SAC has been applied for CO2 cycloaddition of epichlorohydrin, and the activity is obviously higher than the counterpart prepared without confined space and various reported Cu-containing catalysts. (GRAPHICS)

Automated summary

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) with maximized atomic utilization of metal sites have shown significantly enhanced activity towards various reactions. In this study, a facile strategy for the preparation of SACs was developed by utilizing the inherent confined space between the template and silica walls in template-occupied mesoporous silica SBA-15. Different transition metal precursors were easily introduced into the confined space by grinding, and single atoms were formed during calcination in the form of M-O-Si. The present strategy is easy to scale up and allows the synthesis of 10 g of SACs in one pot through ball milling.