High-curvature substrate-anchored single-atom catalysts: recent advances toward enhanced electrocatalysis

Abstract

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have been revealed as a class of promising materials for electrocatalytic reactions because of their maximum atom utilization efficiency and strong metal–support interaction. In addition to the influence of mass loading of single metal atoms, another significant factor impacting the reaction efficiency of SACs is the substrate on which these atoms are anchored. Recent years have demonstrated that high-curvature substrates possess the advantages of providing more anchoring sites, modifying the local electronic structure, inducing the local electric field, and tailoring the surface microenvironment, which are thus widely investigated. This review aims to summarize the latest developments in utilizing high-curvature substrates to improve the electrocatalytic performance of SACs. It delves into the fundamental principles underlying the enhanced catalytic activity on curved surfaces, discusses the effects of high-curvature substrates, and highlights their applications in various electrochemical reactions. Furthermore, the challenges and future perspectives in this rapidly evolving field are also discussed, providing insights into the potential of high-curvature substrates to revolutionize the design and application of SACs in energy-related technologies.