Nanoscale Catalysts: Harnessing Single Atoms
The Future is Tiny: Exploring the World of Single-Atom Catalysis Imagine a world where chemical reactions happen with incredible efficiency, using only minuscule amounts of precious metals. This isn't science fiction – it's the promise of single-atom catalysis (SAC), a revolutionary field pushing the boundaries of nanoscience and materials engineering. In SAC, catalysts aren't made up of bulky nanoparticles or clusters, but rather individual atoms meticulously placed on a support material. These isolated atoms act as powerful reaction sites, showcasing exceptional catalytic activity due to their unique electronic structure and high atom utilization efficiency. Think of it like this: imagine trying to build a house with only one brick – a single brick is incredibly limited in its construction potential,...