Frontier Advances in Synthesis Strategies and Catalytic Performances of ZnO-Supported Single-Atom Catalysts

Abstract

In recent years, ZnO-supported single-atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted considerable attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in catalysis. This paper summarizes and focuses on the synthesis methods, structural characterization, and catalytic performance of ZnO-supported SACs in various reactions. First, the special properties of ZnO as a catalyst support are reviewed. Subsequently, the preparation strategies for ZnO-supported SACs, including ball milling, hydrothermal methods, impregnation method, and deposition-precipitation method, are discussed in detail to achieve precise control over monoatomic dispersion and catalytic activity. The ball milling and hydrothermal methods are effective for enhancing atomic dispersion, while the impregnation and deposition-precipitation methods offer additional approaches for achieving uniform loading of single atoms onto ZnO, further optimizing catalytic performance. Finally, the paper summarizes the applications of ZnO-supported SACs in energy, environmental, and other fields, including CO2 reduction (CO2RR), CO oxidation, nitrogen reduction (NRR), photocatalysis, steam reforming, selective hydrogenation, and water-gas shift reactions, highlighting their potential advantages in enhancing catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. This review not only contributes to a deeper understanding of the research progress of ZnO-loaded SACs but also provides valuable insights for the further optimization and design of high-performance catalysts.