Design and engineering of single-atom catalysts for environmental remediation: Principles and structural–property relationship

Isolated metal atoms immobilized on substrates, termed single-atom catalysts (SACs), represent a groundbreaking advancement in catalytic science, particularly for addressing environmental challenges. Their exceptional catalytic performance originates from their unique atomic-level structure and high atom utilization efficiency. This review delves into the structure–property relationships of SACs in environmental remediation applications, encompassing their classification, composition, and design strategies. Subsequently, the application of SACs in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis for contaminant elimination, water purification, and gas pollutant conversion was discussed. Moreover, the potential future research directions for SACs in environmental remediation are thoroughly explored. This review aims to offer insights into the structure, performance, and catalytic mechanisms of SACs to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly catalytic materials, providing a novel approach to address environmental pollution.