A review on the photochemical synthesis of atomically dispersed catalysts

Abstract

A better world calls for better catalysts. With the increasing demand for low carbon emission processes, both the efficiency and environmentally benign synthesis of catalytic materials should be considered. As an emerging synthetic method for atomically dispersed catalysts, photochemical synthesis has several advantages, including its green process and ability to precisely control the structure of active sites. This review presents the research progress over the last decade, from the very first examples to developed cases on the topic and the aspects of the synthetic strategy, mechanism analysis, and application potential. The key factors affecting the preparation of atomically dispersed catalysts by the photochemical method are thoroughly discussed. More importantly, major challenges in developing the photochemical method, among other methods for synthesizing atomically dispersed catalysts, are highlighted; suggestions are also provided. By keeping abreast of these advances, we foresee the fast and broad development of photochemical methods in the catalysis community.