Single atom catalysts for heterogeneous catalytic ozonation

Abstract

Single atom catalysts (SACs) have received soaring interest in environmental applications due to their ultrahigh atomic efficiency and drastically reduced metal loading. In this review, we summarized the preliminary efforts in applying SACs for heterogeneous catalytic ozonation (HCO). Mechanistic analyses revealed a creditable consensus that highly dispersed active single atoms can accelerate the decomposition of ozone (O3) into surface-adsorbed *O and free O2. However, the activity of SAC toward O3 decomposition varies, depending on the central metal species and coordination environment. In this review, we discussed the synthesis and characterization of SACs, emphasizing their application and catalytic regimes in HCO. Also, limitations and prospects of SAC-based HCO were proposed to shed light on future studies.