Scalable Synthesis of Flexible Single-Atom Monolithic Catalysts for High-Efficiency, Durable CO Oxidation at Low Temperature

The creation of single-atom catalysts in a large-size, high-yield, and stable form represents an important direction for high-efficiency industrial catalysis in the future. Herein, we report a strategy to synthesize flexible single-atom monolithic catalysts (SAMCs) based on the hierarchical 3D assembly of single atom-loaded oxide ceramic nanofibers. The nanofibers, which can be produced in a continuous and scalable manner, serve as an ideal support for single atoms spontaneously and almost completely exposed at the surface through the Kirkendall effect-enabled in situ ion migration during the spinning process, resulting in both high yield and large loading quantity. Moreover, the hierarchical 3D assembly of these nanofibers into a porous, flexible structure endows the SAMCs with the advantages of sufficient infiltration and oscillation tolerance when faced with high throughput gaseous media, leading to both high catalytic efficiency and excellent durability. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, a Pt SAMC is synthesized, which exhibits 100% CO oxidation at low temperature (similar to 170 degrees C), excellent invariance toward high-frequency (10 Hz) oscillation, and high structural stability from 25 to 300 degrees C. This work is beneficial for the large-scale production of SAMCs in broad industrial applications.

Automated summary

This study presents a strategy for synthesizing flexible single-atom monolithic catalysts (SAMCs) based on hierarchical 3D assembly of single atom-loaded oxide ceramic nanofibers. The SAMCs exhibit high catalytic efficiency and excellent durability in high-throughput gaseous media.