Modulating the strong metal-support interaction of single-atom catalysts via vicinal structure decoration.

Yang, Jingyi; Huang, Yike; Qi, Haifeng; Zeng, Chaobin; Jiang, Qike; Cui, Yitao; Su, Yang; Du, Xiaorui et al. · Nat Commun · 2022

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Metal-support interaction predominately determines the electronic structure of metal atoms in single-atom catalysts (SACs), largely affecting their catalytic performance. However, directly tuning the metal-support interaction in oxide supported SACs remains challenging. Here, we report a new strategy to subtly regulate the strong covalent metal-support interaction (CMSI) of Pt/CoFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> SACs by a simple water soaking treatment. Detailed studies reveal that the CMSI is weakened by the bonding of H<sup>+</sup>, generated from water dissociation, onto the interface of Pt-O-Fe, resulting in reduced charge transfer from metal to support and leading to an increase of C-H bond activation in CH<sub>4</sub> combustion by more than 50 folds. This strategy is general and can be extended to other CMSI-existed metal-supported catalysts, providing a powerful tool to modulating the catalytic performance of SACs.