Designer topological-single-atom catalysts with site-specific selectivity

Abstract Designing catalysts with well-defined, identical sites that achieve site-specific selectivity, and activity remains a significant challenge. In this work, we introduce a design principle of topological-single-atom catalysts (T-SACs) guided by density functional theory (DFT) and Ab initio mo...

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Main Authors: Weibin Chen, Menghui Bao, Fanqi Meng, Bingbing Ma, Long Feng, Xuan Zhang, Zanlin Qiu, Song Gao, Ruiqin Zhong, Shibo Xi, Xiao Hai, Jiong Lu, Ruqiang Zou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-01-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-55838-6
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author Weibin Chen
Menghui Bao
Fanqi Meng
Bingbing Ma
Long Feng
Xuan Zhang
Zanlin Qiu
Song Gao
Ruiqin Zhong
Shibo Xi
Xiao Hai
Jiong Lu
Ruqiang Zou
author_facet Weibin Chen
Menghui Bao
Fanqi Meng
Bingbing Ma
Long Feng
Xuan Zhang
Zanlin Qiu
Song Gao
Ruiqin Zhong
Shibo Xi
Xiao Hai
Jiong Lu
Ruqiang Zou
author_sort Weibin Chen
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Designing catalysts with well-defined, identical sites that achieve site-specific selectivity, and activity remains a significant challenge. In this work, we introduce a design principle of topological-single-atom catalysts (T-SACs) guided by density functional theory (DFT) and Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations, where metal single atoms are arranged in asymmetric configurations that electronic shield topologically misorients d orbitals, minimizing unwanted interactions between reactants and the support surface. Mn1/CeO2 catalysts, synthesized via a charge-transfer-driven approach, demonstrate superior catalytic activity and selectivity for NO x removal. A life-cycle assessment (LCA) reveals that Mn1/CeO2 significantly reduces environmental impact compared to traditional V-W-Ti catalysts. Through in-situ spectroscopic characterizations combined with DFT calculations, we elucidate detailed reaction mechanisms. This study establishes T-SACs as a promising class of catalysts, offering a systematic framework to address catalytic challenges by defining site characteristics. The concept highlights their potential for advancing selective catalytic processes and promoting sustainable technologies.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2041-1723
language English
publishDate 2025-01-01
publisher Nature Portfolio
record_format Article
series Nature Communications
spelling doaj-art-68f962583e064d069f58f6006ebbcbd42025-01-12T12:31:16ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232025-01-0116111510.1038/s41467-025-55838-6Designer topological-single-atom catalysts with site-specific selectivityWeibin Chen0Menghui Bao1Fanqi Meng2Bingbing Ma3Long Feng4Xuan Zhang5Zanlin Qiu6Song Gao7Ruiqin Zhong8Shibo Xi9Xiao Hai10Jiong Lu11Ruqiang Zou12School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking UniversityState Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of PetroleumSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking UniversitySchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking UniversityState Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of PetroleumSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking UniversitySchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking UniversitySchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking UniversityState Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of PetroleumInstitute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking UniversityDepartment of Chemistry, National University of SingaporeSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking UniversityAbstract Designing catalysts with well-defined, identical sites that achieve site-specific selectivity, and activity remains a significant challenge. In this work, we introduce a design principle of topological-single-atom catalysts (T-SACs) guided by density functional theory (DFT) and Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations, where metal single atoms are arranged in asymmetric configurations that electronic shield topologically misorients d orbitals, minimizing unwanted interactions between reactants and the support surface. Mn1/CeO2 catalysts, synthesized via a charge-transfer-driven approach, demonstrate superior catalytic activity and selectivity for NO x removal. A life-cycle assessment (LCA) reveals that Mn1/CeO2 significantly reduces environmental impact compared to traditional V-W-Ti catalysts. Through in-situ spectroscopic characterizations combined with DFT calculations, we elucidate detailed reaction mechanisms. This study establishes T-SACs as a promising class of catalysts, offering a systematic framework to address catalytic challenges by defining site characteristics. The concept highlights their potential for advancing selective catalytic processes and promoting sustainable technologies.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-55838-6
spellingShingle Weibin Chen
Menghui Bao
Fanqi Meng
Bingbing Ma
Long Feng
Xuan Zhang
Zanlin Qiu
Song Gao
Ruiqin Zhong
Shibo Xi
Xiao Hai
Jiong Lu
Ruqiang Zou
Designer topological-single-atom catalysts with site-specific selectivity
Nature Communications
title Designer topological-single-atom catalysts with site-specific selectivity
title_full Designer topological-single-atom catalysts with site-specific selectivity
title_fullStr Designer topological-single-atom catalysts with site-specific selectivity
title_full_unstemmed Designer topological-single-atom catalysts with site-specific selectivity
title_short Designer topological-single-atom catalysts with site-specific selectivity
title_sort designer topological single atom catalysts with site specific selectivity
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-55838-6
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