Rapid Joule heating synthesis of metal single-atom materials: theory, device construction, and functional applications

Abstract

Joule heating (JH) synthesis has been widely applied to disperse atomic metals onto supports, thereby enhancing metal utilization efficiency and enabling precise control over the electronic structure at the atomic level. This method holds considerable promise for metal single-atom (SA) synthesis. This review systematically investigates and summarizes recent advancements in JH synthesis of metal SA-based functional materials. It begins by clarifying the JH fundamental principles, including the methodology for calculating heating temperatures. After concluding an overview on the development of the JH technique, it details the necessary equipment and systematically compares plate-type and tube-type heating apparatuses, highlighting their differences and respective application fields. The JH synthesis and traditional processes for SA materials synthesis are also compared to highlight the advantages of the JH technique. Furthermore, we conclude and compare various types of metal SA along with their corresponding JH synthesis parameters and diverse functional applications in the fields of catalysis and electromagnetic wave adsorption. Finally, we provide a brief conclusion and outlook and discuss emerging trends and challenges that could shape future research on metal SA-based functional materials by rapid JH synthesis.