3D spiderweb-like nanowire networks loading single-atom catalysts in capillary array as high-efficiency microreactor

Abstract

Rapid fluid transport and high reaction efficiency are known as irreconcilable indicators for designing high-performance monolithic microreactors. Here, proceeding from microstructure design and single-atom catalysts (SACs) utilization simultaneously, we developed 3D spiderweb-like nanowire networks in wood capillary array owning high permeability integrated with successfully synthesized SACs as high-efficiency microreactor for organic pollutant removal from water. The 3D spiderweb-like nanowire networks could be obtained by noncovalent and physical entanglement interactions of ultralong and flexible PEG113-b-P4VP104 worm-like micelles forming loosened micro-aerogel in the wood capillary. Abundant nanowire networks in straight microchannels array allow vast quantities of catalyst active component loading sites and greatly increase contact reaction efficiency. Meanwhile, the grid-like porous structure of the nanowire networks preferably maintains good permeability of the wood capillary array. Furthermore, strong coordination interaction of pyridine in P4VP block and confinement effect from core-shell structured worm-like micelles afford uniformly distributed SACs with high density. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate an integration of unique microstructure from 3D spiderweb-like nanowire networks in wood capillary array and well dispersed Pd-N4/Fe-N4 SACs enables high removal efficiency for methylene blue and fast mass transfer for water. Importantly, this work provides a facile and scalable method for atomically dispersed catalysts, paving the way for designing high-performance microreactors in other potentially important reactions.