Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Single atom catalysts (SACs) represent a groundbreaking approach in catalyst design, where single atoms are dispersed onto a support material, allowing control with atomic precision in catalytic reactions. Catalysis at this atomic level enables highly selective, efficient, and environmentally friendly chemical transformations, making SACs valuable for applications ranging from energy production to environmental remediation. This session will discuss the principles behind these breakthrough catalysts, recent advancements, and the diverse applications of single atom catalysts, illustrating how they revolutionize catalysis.

In traditional catalysis, the addition of catalysts in the form of clusters or nanoparticles can result in a variety of active sites, often reducing selectivity. Single atom catalysts, however, are distinguished by isolating individual metal atoms on a support, providing uniform active sites that facilitate specific reactions. This structure significantly reduces the amount of precious metal needed while enhancing catalytic activity, making SACs both economical and environmentally friendly. For instance, single atoms of platinum or palladium on carbon or oxide supports can catalyze reactions with remarkable efficiency, using far less material than conventional catalysts.

One of the most notable advantages of SACs is their high selectivity, which is crucial for reducing unwanted byproducts and improving reaction efficiency. SACs are highly effective in processes such as hydrogenation, oxidation, and CO₂ reduction, where controlling reaction pathways is essential. In hydrogenation, for example, SACs enable selective conversion of feedstock into high-value chemicals, supporting green chemistry goals by minimizing waste and reducing energy requirements.

SACs also contribute significantly to sustainable energy, particularly in fuel cells. SACs are employed in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a key step in energy conversion, offering an efficient and cost-effective alternative to conventional platinum-based catalysts. In addition, SACs play a role in the selective reduction of carbon dioxide into fuels or chemicals, facilitating the conversion of captured CO₂ into valuable resources, thus promoting a circular economy by transforming waste gases into valuable products.

Advanced techniques, such as atomic layer deposition and chemical vapor deposition, are instrumental in designing and synthesizing SACs, placing atoms with precision on support materials. Computational modeling and spectroscopic analysis further aid in understanding SAC structure and functionality, enabling the development of tailored catalysts for specific applications. Through both experimental and theoretical approaches, researchers optimize SACs for stability, durability, and activity, enhancing their potential for industrial applications.