Scientists build stable single-atom platform for next-gen catalysis

Scientists from Italy, Japan, and Switzerland have developed a groundbreaking method to create stable single-atom catalysts that function effectively above room temperature, overcoming longstanding challenges of atom aggregation and precise placement. Using on-surface synthesis guided by atomic-resolution scanning probe microscopy, the team fabricated one-dimensional organic polymers with periodic side extensions engineered to anchor metal atoms at uniform coordination sites. This design mimics enzyme active sites, ensuring each metal atom remains exposed to reactants for maximum catalytic efficiency, a feat not achievable with bulk materials or clusters. The platform is highly customizable, allowing different metals and ligands to be incorporated depending on the desired reaction. Theoretical studies revealed that these polymer-bound single atoms exhibit significantly stronger binding to industrially relevant gases such as CO, O₂, and H₂ compared to conventional catalysts, enhancing reactivity and enabling more precise control over reaction intermediates. This advancement holds particular promise for applications like CO₂ conversion, potentially enabling cleaner, more efficient chemical processes. Published in Nature Communications, the research not