Recent Advancements in the Preparation and Application of Copper Single-Atom Catalysts

Abstract

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have developed as a potential advanced variety of catalysts wherein copper SACs (Cu SACs) have appeared as a rising star in catalysis in which promising catalytic activity is achieved by a well-adjusted d-band center. Herein, the most recent advancements in the synthesis of copper SACs are highlighted. Various electrocatalytic applications such as carbon dioxide reduction reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, nitrogen reduction reaction, biotherapeutic applications, coupling reactions, hydroxylation, hydrogenation, photocatalytic reactions, and other miscellaneous reactions of Cu SACs coordinated into different supports have been thoroughly reviewed, and the stability and electrocatalytic performance of Cu SACs in fuel cells, zinc–CO2 batteries, and zinc–air batteries have been discussed. This review summarizes the study of most recent developments in the synthesis and applications of Cu SACs.