Nano-island-encapsulated cobalt single-atom catalysts for breaking activity-stability trade-off in Fenton-like reactions

Abstract Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have been increasingly acknowledged for their performance in sustainable Fenton-like catalysis. However, SACs face a trade-off between activity and stability in peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based systems. Herein, we design a nano-island encapsulated single cobalt ato...

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Main Authors: Zhi-Quan Zhang, Pi-Jun Duan, Jie-Xuan Zheng, Yun-Qiu Xie, Chang-Wei Bai, Yi-Jiao Sun, Xin-Jia Chen, Fei Chen, Han-Qing Yu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-01-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55622-y
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Summary:Abstract Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have been increasingly acknowledged for their performance in sustainable Fenton-like catalysis. However, SACs face a trade-off between activity and stability in peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based systems. Herein, we design a nano-island encapsulated single cobalt atom (CoSA/Zn.O-ZnO) catalyst to enhance the activity and stability of PMS activation for contaminant degradation via an “island-sea” synergistic effect. In this configuration, small carrier-based ZnO nanoparticles (the “islands”) are utilized to confine and stabilize Co single atoms. The expansive ZnO substrate (the “sea”) upholds a neutral microenvironment within the reaction system. The CoSA/Zn.O-ZnO/PMS system exhibits a remarkable selectivity in exclusively generating sulfate radicals (SO4 •-), leading to a complete removal of various recalcitrant pollutants within a shorter period. Characterized by minimal leaching of active sites, robust catalytic performance, and low-toxicity decontamination, this system proves highly efficient in multiple treatment cycles and complex water matrices. The design effectively breaks the activity-stability trade-off typically associated with SACs.
ISSN:2041-1723