Metal single-atom catalyst and method for preparing the same

Abstract

Disclosed are a metal single-atom catalyst and a method for preparing the same. The method uses a minimal amount of chemicals and is thus environmentally friendly compared to conventional chemical and/or physical methods. In addition, the method enables the preparation of a single-atom catalyst in a simple and economical manner without the need for further treatment such as acid treatment or heat treatment. Furthermore, the method is universally applicable to the preparation of single-atom catalysts irrespective of the kinds of metals and supports, unlike conventional methods that suffer from very limited choices of metal materials and supports. Therefore, the method can be widely utilized to prepare various types of metal single-atom catalysts. All metal atoms in the metal single-atom catalyst can participate in catalytic reactions. This optimal atom utilization achieves maximum reactivity per unit mass and can minimize the amount of the metal used, which is very economical.