Issue

Vol. 18 (2026)

Engineering Noble Metals Single-Atom Catalysts for Photothermal-Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02298-2
Luyu Zhou
Department of Electronic Science and Technology, Institute of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials and Technology, College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, People’s Republic of China
Sixiang Liu
Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Institut National de La Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Varennes, QC J3X 1P7, Canada
Lei Mou
Department of Electronic Science and Technology, Institute of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials and Technology, College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, People’s Republic of China
Quan Xie
Department of Electronic Science and Technology, Institute of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials and Technology, College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, People’s Republic of China
Wensheng Yang
Department of Electronic Science and Technology, Institute of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials and Technology, College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, People’s Republic of China
Xiangyan Luo
Department of Electronic Science and Technology, Institute of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials and Technology, College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, People’s Republic of China
Guolong Wu
Department of Electronic Science and Technology, Institute of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials and Technology, College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, People’s Republic of China
Maosheng Ye
Department of Electronic Science and Technology, Institute of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials and Technology, College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, People’s Republic of China
Wang Zhang
State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People’s Republic of China
Jie Peng
Laboratory for Quantum Engineering and Micro‑Nano Energy Technology, School of Physics and Optoelectronic, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, People’s Republic of China
Shuhui Sun
Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Institut National de La Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Varennes, QC J3X 1P7, Canada
Junlong Tian
Department of Electronic Science and Technology, Institute of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials and Technology, College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Junlong Tian

jltian169@163.com

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 18 (2026), Article Number: 442

Abstract

Photothermal-enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) converts nonradiative losses into localized interfacial heating, while precious-metal single-atom catalysts (SACs) offer atom-efficient and well-defined active sites. However, progress remains difficult to compare and translate because reaction-zone temperatures are often poorly constrained, the active forms of single atoms under light and heat are rarely verified, and performance in model suspensions does not readily extend to practical reactors or long-term operation. This Review summarizes major material platforms for photothermal harvesting and single-atom site design, and defines key support requirements, including strong light absorption, efficient charge and heat transport, and stable anchoring sites. It also outlines the typical roles of different noble metals and proposes actionable frameworks for the field. Thermometry-anchored protocols help disentangle thermal, photochemical, and synergistic effects through temperature-matched controls, absorption-normalized kinetics, and activation-energy benchmarks. An operando and ultrafast evidence framework tracks coordination, valence, charge transfer, and intermediates in real time, enabling verification of dynamic active sites. Finally, scale-relevant design rules connect photon and heat management with mass transport, bubble dynamics, scalable synthesis, and long-term validation, guiding photocatalysis toward mechanistically accountable and deployable solar H2 production.


Highlights:
1 Defines support design rules for anchoring, charge extraction, heat management, mass transport, and durability in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE)-single-atom catalysts (SACs).
2 Clarifies Pt, Ru/Ir, and Au/Ag functions as hydrogen evolution reaction centers, robust motifs, and plasmonic photothermal antennas.
3 Summarizes key parameters and evidence for separating photochemical, photothermal, and coupled light–heat effects.
4 Discusses stability, thermometry, long-term operation, and scale-up challenges for particulate PHE-SAC systems.

Keywords

Photothermal-enhanced photocatalysis Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution Single-atom catalysts Noble metals Operando thermometry
Zhou, Luyu, Sixiang Liu, Lei Mou, Quan Xie, Wensheng Yang, Xiangyan Luo, Guolong Wu, Maosheng Ye, Wang Zhang, Jie Peng, Shuhui Sun, and Junlong Tian. 2026. “Engineering Noble Metals Single-Atom Catalysts for Photothermal-Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production”. Nano-Micro Letters 18 (July):442. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02298-2.
Download Citation
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)
BibTeX
References
  1. A. Fujishima, K. Honda, Electrochemical photolysis of water at a semiconductor electrode. Nature 238(5358), 37–38 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/238037a0
  2. S. Chen, T. Takata, K. Domen, Particulate photocatalysts for overall water splitting. Nat. Rev. Mater. 2(10), 17050 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/natrevmats.2017.50
  3. T. Hisatomi, K. Domen, Reaction systems for solar hydrogen production via water splitting with particulate semiconductor photocatalysts. Nat. Catal. 2(5), 387–399 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-019-0242-6
  4. T. Hisatomi, T. Yamada, H. Nishiyama, T. Takata, K. Domen, Materials and systems for large-scale photocatalytic water splitting. Nat. Rev. Mater. 10(10), 769–782 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-025-00823-0
  5. T. Hisatomi, K. Domen, Best practices for photocatalytic water splitting. Nat. Sustain. 7(9), 1082–1084 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01382-y
  6. H. Nishiyama, T. Yamada, M. Nakabayashi, Y. Maehara, M. Yamaguchi et al., Photocatalytic solar hydrogen production from water on a 100–m2 scale. Nature 598(7880), 304–307 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03907-3
  7. P. Zhou, I.A. Navid, Y. Ma, Y. Xiao, P. Wang et al., Solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of more than 9% in photocatalytic water splitting. Nature 613(7942), 66–70 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-05399-1
  8. Q. Wang, T. Hisatomi, Q. Jia, H. Tokudome, M. Zhong et al., Scalable water splitting on particulate photocatalyst sheets with a solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency exceeding 1%. Nat. Mater. 15(6), 611–615 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat4589
  9. H. Fu, Y. Wu, Y. Guo, T. Sakurai, Q. Zhang et al., A scalable solar-driven photocatalytic system for separated H2 and O2 production from water. Nat. Commun. 16, 990 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56314-x
  10. P. Mani, S. Shenoy, P.J.J. Sagayaraj, N. Agamendran et al., Scaling up of photocatalytic systems for large-scale hydrogen generation. Appl. Phys. Rev. 12, 011303 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0223598
  11. T. Higashi, K. Domen, Interfacial design of particulate photocatalyst materials for green hydrogen production. Chemsuschem 17(21), e202400663 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202400663
  12. B. Qiao, A. Wang, X. Yang, L.F. Allard, Z. Jiang et al., Single-atom catalysis of CO oxidation using Pt1/FeOx. Nat. Chem. 3(8), 634–641 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nchem.1095
  13. Y. Akinaga, T. Kawawaki, H. Kameko, Y. Yamazaki, K. Yamazaki et al., Metal single-atom cocatalyst on carbon nitride for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction: effects of metal species. Adv. Funct. Mater. 33(33), 2303321 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202303321
  14. S.-M. Wu, P. Schmuki, Single atom cocatalysts in photocatalysis. Adv. Mater. 37(7), 2414889 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202414889
  15. P. Zhou, M. Luo, S. Guo, Optimizing the semiconductor–metal-single-atom interaction for photocatalytic reactivity. Nat. Rev. Chem. 6(11), 823–838 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-022-00434-1
  16. V.B. Saptal, V. Ruta, M.A. Bajada, G. Vilé, Single-atom catalysis in organic synthesis. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 62(34), e202219306 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202219306
  17. X. Li, W. Bi, L. Zhang, S. Tao, W. Chu et al., Single-atom Pt as co-catalyst for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution. Adv. Mater. 28(12), 2427–2431 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201505281
  18. L. Chen, G. Chen, C. Gong, Y. Zhang, Z. Xing et al., Low-valence platinum single atoms in sulfur-containing covalent organic frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Nat. Commun. 15, 10501 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54959-8
  19. S. Qin, N. Denisov, H. Kim, P. Schmuki, Photocatalytic H2 generation: controlled and optimized dispersion of single atom co-catalysts based on Pt-TCPP planar adsorption on TiO2. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 63(10), e202316660 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202316660
  20. N. Lazaar, S. Wu, S. Qin, A. Hamrouni, B.B. Sarma et al., Single-atom catalysts on C3N4: minimizing single atom Pt loading for maximized photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 64(6), e202416453 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202416453
  21. J. Zhang, Y. Pan, D. Feng, L. Cui, S. Zhao et al., Mechanistic insight into the synergy between platinum single atom and cluster dual active sites boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Adv. Mater. 35(25), 2300902 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202300902
  22. C. Yuan, H. Yin, J. Li, Y. Zhang, H. Chen et al., Light-induced CoOX surface reconstruction in hollow heterostructure for durable photocatalytic seawater splitting. Nat. Commun. 16, 6607 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62033-0
  23. Q. Zhang, M. Yue, P. Chen, Q. Ren, W. Kong et al., Accelerating photocatalytic hydrogen production by anchoring Pt single atoms on few-layer g-C3N4 nanosheets with Pt–N coordination. J. Mater. Chem. C 12(10), 3437–3449 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TC04673G
  24. J. Bian, W. Zhang, Y.H. Ng, Z. Hu, Z. Wei et al., Transforming red phosphorus photocatalysis: dual roles of pre-anchored Ru single atoms in defect and interface engineering. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 63(45), e202409179 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202409179
  25. X. Shi, C. Dai, X. Wang, J. Hu, J. Zhang et al., Protruding Pt single-sites on hexagonal ZnIn2S4 to accelerate photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Nat. Commun. 13, 1287 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-28995-1
  26. Y. Zhang, J. Zhao, H. Wang, B. Xiao, W. Zhang et al., Single-atom Cu anchored catalysts for photocatalytic renewable H2 production with a quantum efficiency of 56%. Nat. Commun. 13, 58 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-27698-3
  27. P. Zhou, H. Chen, Y. Chao, Q. Zhang, W. Zhang et al., Single-atom Pt-I3 sites on all-inorganic Cs2SnI6 perovskite for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production. Nat. Commun. 12, 4412 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24702-8
  28. B. Li, H. Zheng, T. Zhou, Q. Lu, M. Chen et al., Asymmetric coordination enhances the synergy of Pt species dual active sites for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution. Nat. Commun. 16, 8276 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-63637-2
  29. J. Wang, W. Liao, Y. Tan, O. Henrotte, Y. Kang et al., Transfer dynamics of photo-generated carriers in catalysis. Chem. Soc. Rev. 54(13), 6553–6596 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1039/d5cs00512d
  30. J. Choi, W. Jung, S. Gonzalez-Carrero, J.R. Durrant, H. Cha et al., Understanding charge carrier dynamics in organic photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. Energy Environ. Sci. 17(21), 7999–8018 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1039/d4ee01808g
  31. X. Chu, C.I. Sathish, J.-H. Yang, X. Guan, X. Zhang et al., Strategies for improving the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction of carbon nitride-based catalysts. Small 19(41), 2302875 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202302875
  32. J. Sun, G. Lian, Z. Chen, Z. Zou, L. Wang, Merger of single-atom catalysis and photothermal catalysis for future chemical production. ACS Nano 18(51), 34572–34595 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c13030
  33. X. Li, S. Zhao, X. Duan, H. Zhang, S.-Z. Yang et al., Coupling hydrothermal and photothermal single-atom catalysis toward excellent water splitting to hydrogen. Appl. Catal. B Environ. 283, 119660 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2020.119660
  34. S. Zhang, L. Lu, J. Jiang, N. Liu, B. Zhao et al., Organizing photosensitive and photothermal single-sites uniformly in a trimetallic metal-organic framework for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Adv. Mater. 36(26), 2403464 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202403464
  35. S. Zhao, C. Zhang, S. Wang, K. Lu, B. Wang et al., Photothermally driven decoupling of gas evolution at the solid–liquid interface for boosted photocatalytic hydrogen production. Nanoscale 16(1), 152–162 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR04937J
  36. C. Pornrungroj, A.B.M. Annuar, Q. Wang, M. Rahaman, S. Bhattacharjee et al., Hybrid photothermal–photocatalyst sheets for solar-driven overall water splitting coupled to water purification. Nat. Water 1(11), 952–960 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-023-00139-9
  37. L. Zhou, D.F. Swearer, C. Zhang, H. Robatjazi, H. Zhao et al., Quantifying hot carrier and thermal contributions in plasmonic photocatalysis. Science 362(6410), 69–72 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aat6967
  38. Z. Geng, Y. Yu, A.J. Offen, J. Liu, Achieving maximum overall light enhancement in plasmonic catalysis by combining thermal and non-thermal effects. Nat. Catal. 6(12), 1241–1247 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-023-01045-9
  39. C. Zhan, J. Yi, S. Hu, X.-G. Zhang, D.-Y. Wu et al., Plasmon-mediated chemical reactions. Nat. Rev. Methods Primers 3, 12 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-023-00195-1
  40. S. Liu, Z. Wu, Z. Zhu, K. Feng, Y. Zhou et al., Quantifying the distinct role of plasmon enhancement mechanisms in prototypical antenna-reactor photocatalysts. Nat. Commun. 16, 2245 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57569-0
  41. R. Verma, G. Sharma, V. Polshettiwar, The paradox of thermal vs. non-thermal effects in plasmonic photocatalysis. Nat. Commun. 15, 7974 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51916-3
  42. P. Sekar, R. Bericat-Vadell, Y. Patehebieke, P. Broqvist, C.-J. Wallentin et al., Decoupling plasmonic hot carrier from thermal catalysis via electrode engineering. Nano Lett. 24(28), 8619–8625 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01803
  43. C.-W. Tsao, S. Narra, J.-C. Kao, Y.-C. Lin, C.-Y. Chen et al., Dual-plasmonic Au@Cu7S4 yolk@shell nanocrystals for photocatalytic hydrogen production across visible to near infrared spectral region. Nat. Commun. 15, 413 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44664-3
  44. M. Shahrezaei, S.M. Hossein Hejazi, H. Kmentova, V. Sedajova, R. Zboril et al., Ultrasound-driven defect engineering in TiO2–x Nanotubes─Toward highly efficient platinum single atom-enhanced photocatalytic water splitting. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 15(31), 37976–37985 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c04811
  45. W.-K. Chong, B.-J. Ng, L.-L. Tan, S.-P. Chai, A compendium of all-in-one solar-driven water splitting using ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts: guiding the path from the past to the limitless future. Chem. Soc. Rev. 53(20), 10080–10146 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CS01040F
  46. W. Zhao, H. Chen, J. Zhang, P.J. Low, H. Sun, Photocatalytic overall water splitting endowed by modulation of internal and external energy fields. Chem. Sci. 15(42), 17292–17327 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC05065G
  47. Y. Wang, A. Pan, Y. Ma, H. Du, Single−atom Co anchored on covalent organic framework for remarkable photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency. Int. J. Hydrog. Energy 72, 1298–1307 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.05.448
  48. S. Shen, J. Chen, Y. Wang, C.-L. Dong, F. Meng et al., Boosting photocatalytic hydrogen production by creating isotype heterojunctions and single-atom active sites in highly-crystallized carbon nitride. Sci. Bull. 67(5), 520–528 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2021.11.024
  49. S. Yang, K. Wang, Q. Chen, Y. Wu, Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production of S-scheme TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction loaded with single-atom Ni. J. Mater. Sci. Technol. 175, 104–114 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2023.07.044
  50. G.-W. Guan, S.-T. Zheng, L.-P. Zhang, S.-Y. Hou, X.-Y. Liu et al., Incorporating atomic-level center into porphyrin-based COF for photocatalytic H2 evolution. Chem. Eng. J. 514, 163127 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.163127
  51. Z.-R. Zhang, H.-Y. Sui, W.-X. Shi, J. Ren, S. Yao et al., Polyoxometalate-based single-atom catalyst with precise structure and extremely exposed active site for efficient H2 evolution. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 64(4), e202416711 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202416711
  52. Y. Xia, Z. He, G. He, X. Chen, J. Zhang et al., Pd single-atom and S-scheme heterojunction synergy in improving charge transport for high performance photocatalyzed hydrogen evolution reaction. Sep. Purif. Technol. 372, 133480 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.133480
  53. L. Jin, Y. Wei, L. Feng, Y. Wang, S. Liu et al., Insight into the unique role of silver single-atom in atomic-thickness ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 Van der Waals heterojunction for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 678, 742–753 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2024.09.153
  54. X.-L. Chen, M. Ni, Y.-R. Li, Y.-A. Pan, C. Chi et al., Design of 2D/2D Pt SA-MoS2/ZnIn2S4 photocatalysts for boosting hydrogen production. Chem. Eng. J. 520, 165713 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.165713
  55. H. Li, R. Li, Y. Jing, B. Liu, Q. Xu et al., S-scheme heterojunction/single-atom dual-driven charge transport for photocatalytic hydrogen production. ACS Catal. 14(10), 7308–7320 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.4c00758
  56. Z. Jia, R. Li, P. Ji, Z. Xu, K.P. Homewood et al., Design and fabrication of a novel 2D/3D ZnIn2S4@Ni1/UiO-66-NH2 heterojunction for highly efficient visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution coupled with benzyl alcohol valorization. Appl. Catal. B Environ. Energy 357, 124279 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.124279
  57. Y. Liu, X. Su, J. Ding, J. Zhou, Z. Liu et al., Progress and challenges in structural, in situ and operando characterization of single-atom catalysts by X-ray based synchrotron radiation techniques. Chem. Soc. Rev. 53(24), 11850–11887 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CS00967J
  58. M. Barawi, C.A. Mesa, L. Collado, I.J. Villar-García, F. Oropeza et al., Latest advances in in situ and operando X-ray-based techniques for the characterisation of photoelectrocatalytic systems. J. Mater. Chem. A 12(35), 23125–23146 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03068K
  59. B. Roldán Cuenya, M.A. Bañares, Introduction: operando and in situ studies in catalysis and electrocatalysis. Chem. Rev. 124(13), 8011–8013 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00184
  60. Y. Kawase, K. Obata, Y. Shioiri, T. Higashi, K. Takanabe, Operando measurement of electrocatalyst potential on particulate photocatalysts for overall water splitting. J. Mater. Chem. A 12(30), 19352–19361 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02571G
  61. H. Sato, T. Sugimoto, Directoperandoidentification of reactive electron species driving photocatalytic hydrogen evolution on metal-loaded oxides. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 146(36), 24800–24807 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.3c14558
  62. Y. Fu, K. Lu, A. Hu, J. Huang, L. Guo et al., dz2 band links frontier orbitals and charge carrier dynamics of single-atom cocatalyst-aided photocatalytic H2 production. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 145(51), 28166–28175 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.3c10661
  63. S. Guo, X. Li, J. Li, B. Wei, Boosting photocatalytic hydrogen production from water by photothermally induced biphase systems. Nat. Commun. 12, 1343 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21526-4
  64. C. Liu, S. Tang, R. Song, Y.-F. Xu, G.A. Ozin et al., Micro/nanoscale thermometry in photothermal catalysis. Joule 9(8), 102052 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2025.102052
  65. X.-F. Yang, A. Wang, B. Qiao, J. Li, J. Liu et al., Single-atom catalysts: a new frontier in heterogeneous catalysis. Acc. Chem. Res. 46(8), 1740–1748 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1021/ar300361m
  66. X. Shi, Z. Wen, Q. Gu, L. Jiao, H.-L. Jiang et al., Metal–support frontier orbital interactions in single-atom catalysis. Nature 640(8059), 668–675 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08747-z
  67. C. Cui, X. Xu, X. Zhao, N. Xi, M. Li et al., Donor-acceptor covalent organic framework/ZnIn2S4 core-shell structure S-scheme heterostructure for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Nano Energy 126, 109632 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2024.109632
  68. W. Li, Z. Wei, Y. Sheng, J. Xu, Y. Ren et al., Dual cocatalysts synergistically promote perylene diimide polymer charge transfer for enhanced photocatalytic water oxidation. ACS Energy Lett. 8(6), 2652–2660 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.3c00783
  69. P. Dong, Y. Wang, A. Zhang, T. Cheng, X. Xi et al., Platinum single atoms anchored on a covalent organic framework: boosting active sites for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. ACS Catal. 11(21), 13266–13279 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.1c03441
  70. W.H. Lee, C.W. Lee, G.D. Cha, B.-H. Lee, J.H. Jeong et al., Floatable photocatalytic hydrogel nanocomposites for large-scale solar hydrogen production. Nat. Nanotechnol. 18(7), 754–762 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-023-01385-4
  71. H. Jung, G. Cha, H. Kim, J. Will, X. Zhou et al., Cation vacancies in Ti-deficient TiO2 nanosheets enable highly stable trapping of Pt single atoms for persistent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Small 21(29), 2502428 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202502428
  72. Z. Chen, L. Wang, X. Jiao, Y. Xia, D. Chen, Defect-mediated spatial confinement of Pt single atoms on photoactive CdIn2S4 octahedrons: synergistic carrier dynamics optimization for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Chem. Eng. J. 517, 164289 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.164289
  73. W. Raza, F.G. Alvarado, K. Ahmad, T.H. Oh, Optimizing Pt single-atom sites on CdS/TiO2 nanotubes for efficient visible light photocatalytic hydrogen production. Fuel 404, 136057 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2025.136057
  74. H. Song, Z. Song, W. Zhou, S. Yao, XAFS method for the structural characterization of single atom catalysts. Sci. China Chem. 68(6), 2250–2274 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11426-024-2257-6
  75. P. Qi, J. Wang, X. Djitcheu, D. He, H. Liu et al., Techniques for the characterization of single atom catalysts. RSC Adv. 12(2), 1216–1227 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1039/d1ra07799f
  76. C. Gong, Y. Peng, M. Xu, X. Wei, G. Sheng et al., Selective electrocatalytic synthesis of urea using entangled iron porphyrins in covalent organic frameworks. Nat. Synth. 4(6), 720–729 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44160-025-00742-6
  77. C. Zhu, C. Gong, D. Cao, L.-L. Ma, D. Liu et al., Cobalt-metalated 1D perylene diimide carbon-organic framework for enhanced photocatalytic α-C(sp3)─H activation and CO2 reduction. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 64(24), e202504348 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202504348
  78. A. Nagar, G. Singh, A. Alam, P. Pachfule, C.M. Nagaraja, Design of donor–acceptor covalent organic frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Mater. Chem. Front. 9(9), 1421–1430 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1039/d5qm00074b
  79. X. Zhang, R. Chen, Y. Zhou, Z. Chen, G.Q. Xu et al., Recent progress in covalent organic frameworks as heterogeneous photocatalysts for photochemical conversion. EES Sol. 1(3), 219–247 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1039/D5EL00003C
  80. C.-L. Chang, W.-C. Lin, L.-Y. Ting, C.-H. Shih, S.-Y. Chen et al., Main-chain engineering of polymer photocatalysts with hydrophilic non-conjugated segments for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution. Nat. Commun. 13, 5460 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-33211-1
  81. D. Sarkar, J. Pramanik, S. Samajdar, M. Biswas, S. Ghosh, Charge carrier dynamics in semiconductor–cocatalyst interfaces: influence on photocatalytic activities. RSC Appl. Interfaces 2(3), 573–598 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1039/d5lf00044k
  82. S. Wang, J. Zhang, O. Gharbi, V. Vivier, M. Gao et al., Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Nat. Rev. Methods Primers 1, 41 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-021-00039-w
  83. I.E. Khalil, P. Das, H. Küçükkeçeci, V. Dippold, J. Rabeah et al., Hierarchical porous covalent organic frameworks: the influence of additional macropores on photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and hydrogen peroxide production. Chem. Mater. 36(17), 8330–8337 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.4c01298
  84. Q. Yue, Z. Zhang, X. Liu, C. Zhu, Y. Wen et al., Engineering electron delocalization of ultrathin covalent organic framework nanosheets to elevate photocatalytic hydrogen evolution in seawater. Chem. Eng. J. 507, 160481 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.160481
  85. Y. Wei, Z. Su, Y. Li, F. Wang, W. Yan et al., Morphology-controlled β-ketoenamine covalent organic frameworks for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production. Chem. Commun. 61(56), 10343–10346 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1039/d5cc01987g
  86. X. Wang, Z. Mu, P. Shao, X. Feng, Hierarchically porous covalent organic frameworks: synthesis methods and applications. Chem. 30(14), e202303601 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202303601
  87. K. Do Gia Huynh, Y.-T. Huang, M.-C. Tsai, I.M.A. Mekhemer, J. Jayakumar et al., Boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from binary mixture of hydrophilic-hydrophobic conjugated polymer dots with variable saponification degrees and molecular weights. Chem. Eng. J. 509, 161082 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.161082
  88. S. Pratihar, H.-H. Chou, Design and synthesis of hydrophilic semiconducting polymers for superior solar-driven hydrogen evolution from water: a review of current approaches. J. Chem. Eng. Jpn. 58(1), 2527270 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1080/00219592.2025.2527270
  89. S. Zhao, S. Wang, B. Wang, K. Lu, J. Huang et al., Boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution via interfacial photothermal evaporation on a CdS/CoFe2O4 p-n heterojunction. Green Chem. Eng. (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gce.2025.07.006
  90. Z.-Z. Wu, T. Xia, Y. Liang, Y.-P. Li, Z.-Y. Sui et al., Metal complexes of bipyridine-functionalized covalent organic frameworks as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction. Rare Met. 43(7), 3096–3106 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-024-02681-1
  91. G. Chen, B. University, B. University, L. Xu et al., Polyacid-protonated covalent organic frameworks enable stable and efficient photothermal textiles. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 148(3), 3148–3157 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c16049
  92. J.-Q. Chen, Y. Wu, F.-X. Xiao, Single-atom photocatalysis: a new frontier toward solar energy conversion. Mol. Catal. 575, 114892 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcat.2025.114892
  93. S. Chae, Y. Chen, J. Yang, J. Su, The stability of single-atom catalysts in thermocatalysis. Surf. Sci. Technol. 2(1), 18 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44251-024-00049-2
  94. J. Zhang, X. Wu, W.-C. Cheong, W. Chen, R. Lin et al., Cation vacancy stabilization of single-atomic-site Pt1/Ni(OH)x catalyst for diboration of alkynes and alkenes. Nat. Commun. 9, 1002 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03380-z
  95. Z. Zhang, C. Feng, D. Wang, S. Zhou, R. Wang et al., Selectively anchoring single atoms on specific sites of supports for improved oxygen evolution. Nat. Commun. 13, 2473 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-30148-3
  96. S. Zhang, X. Chang, L. Zhou, X. Liu, J. Zhang, Stabilizing single-atom Pt on Fe2O3 nanosheets by constructing oxygen vacancies for ultrafast H2 sensing. ACS Sens. 9(4), 2101–2109 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acssensors.4c00162
  97. S. Qian, F. Xu, Y. Fan, N. Cheng, H. Xue et al., Tailoring coordination environments of single-atom electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution by topological heteroatom transfer. Nat. Commun. 15, 2774 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47061-6
  98. A. Moutsiou, T.A. Gazis, L.A. Cipriano, M.C. Ince, I.S. Kwon et al., Light-driven and green Ullmann homocoupling with a Pd single-atom catalyst. Green Chem. 28(4), 2008–2021 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1039/d5gc04693a
  99. G. Giannakakis, M.E. Usteri, A. Bugaev, A. Ruiz-Ferrando, D. Faust Akl et al., Reactivity and mechanism of recoverable Pd1@C3N4 single-atom catalyst in Buchwald–Hartwig aminations. ACS Catal. 15(1), 284–295 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.4c05134
  100. Y. Zhou, X. Tao, G. Chen, R. Lu, D. Wang et al., Multilayer stabilization for fabricating high-loading single-atom catalysts. Nat. Commun. 11, 5892 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19599-8
  101. Q. Mo, L. Zhang, S. Li, H. Song, Y. Fan et al., Engineering single-atom sites into pore-confined nanospaces of porphyrinic metal–organic frameworks for the highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 144(49), 22747–22758 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c10801
  102. K.-G. Qu, Z.-F. Chen, L.-H. Wang, H.-B. Li, S.-Y. Zeng et al., Covalent organic framework assisted low-content ultrafine Ru on porous N-doped carbon for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction. Rare Met. 44(3), 2094–2102 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-024-03024-w
  103. X. Fang, Q. Shang, Y. Wang, L. Jiao, T. Yao et al., Single Pt atoms confined into a metal–organic framework for efficient photocatalysis. Adv. Mater. 30(7), 1705112 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201705112
  104. B. Lamichhane, D. Lee, B. Gautam et al., The selection of stable Pt single-atom catalysts supported on 3d–5d transition metal carbides. Chem. Mater. 37(9), 3158–3170 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.4c03276
  105. D. Zhang, C. Zhang, G. Zhao, Y. Gao, T. Zhuang et al., Single-atom Pt supported on defective graphitic carbon nitride for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production. Chem. Eng. J. 505, 159567 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.159567
  106. X. Liu, Y. Zhang, P. Sun, F. He, Y. Wu et al., Asymmetric coordination in cobalt single-atom catalysts enables fast charge dynamics and hierarchical active sites for two-stage kinetics in photodegradation of organic pollutants. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 64(28), e202507028 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202507028
  107. J. Pan, D. Wang, B. Zhang, C. Zhao, D. Liu et al., Atomic-level charge separation boosting the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Chem. Eng. J. 487, 150536 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.150536
  108. D. Cruz, S. Żółtowska, O. Savateev, M. Antonietti, P. Giusto, Carbon nitride caught in the act of artificial photosynthesis. Nat. Commun. 16, 374 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55518-x
  109. G.F.S.R. Rocha, M.A.R. da Silva, A. Rogolino, G.A.A. Diab, L.F.G. Noleto et al., Carbon nitride based materials: more than just a support for single-atom catalysis. Chem. Soc. Rev. 52(15), 4878–4932 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CS00806H
  110. S. Hou, X. Gao, X. Lv, Y. Zhao, X. Yin et al., Decade milestone advancement of defect-engineered g-C3N4 for solar catalytic applications. Nano-Micro Lett. 16(1), 70 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-023-01297-x
  111. G. Yang, L. Qin, Y. Pan, X. Gao, X. Liu et al., Interlayer single atomic Pt−N4 sites on nitrogen-rich graphitic carbon nitride for efficient photocatalytic H2 production coupled with selective oxidation of xylose. Chem. Eng. J. 509, 161407 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.161407
  112. X. Zhang, N. University, X. Guo, H. Jiao et al., Orbital-tailored Pt sites via atomic-level carrier pre-design for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. ACS Nano 19(45), 39491–39506 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5c16095
  113. D.K. Yadav, S. Latiyan, R.S. Devan, R.R. Urkude, P. Rajput et al., Breaking barriers: synergistic interactions between Pt single atoms and nitrogen-rich g-C3N4 for maximized photocatalytic hydrogen production. Small 21(30), 2503843 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202503843
  114. C. Li, P. Zhang, M. Zheng, S. Cheng, B. Mao et al., Hydroxylated Rh single-atom antennas assembled on carbon nitride toward stable photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Adv. Sci. 13(6), e18847 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202518847
  115. J. Wang, J. Song, X. Kang, D. Wang, C. Tian et al., Carbon dots anchoring single-atom Pt on C3N4 boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Molecules 29(8), 1890 (2024). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081890
  116. T. Zhou, H. Wei, B. Xiao, T. Lv, L. Duan et al., Anchored Cu single atoms on porous g-C3N4 for superior photocatalytic H2 evolution from water splitting. RSC Adv. 13(13), 8915–8922 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA00775H
  117. Y. Liu, Y. Sun, E. Zhao, W. Yang, J. Lin et al., Atomically dispersed silver-cobalt dual-metal sites synergistically promoting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Adv. Funct. Mater. 33(33), 2301840 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202301840
  118. J. Shen, C. Luo, S. Qiao, Y. Chen, Y. Tang et al., Single-atom Cu channel and N-vacancy engineering enables efficient charge separation and transfer between C3N4 interlayers for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen production. ACS Catal. 13(9), 6280–6288 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.2c05789
  119. T. Bhoyar, B.M. Abraham, A. Gupta, D.J. Kim, N.R. Manwar et al., Counterion chemistry of 5-halo (X: Cl, Br, I)-uracil derived carbon nitride: unlocking enhanced photocatalytic performance. J. Mater. Chem. A 12(2), 979–992 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1039/d3ta04938h
  120. H. Zhai, P. Tan, M. Jiang, M. Zhang, R. Ren et al., Electronic regulation of Pt single-atom catalysts via local coordination state adjustment for enhanced photocatalytic performance. ACS Catal. 13(12), 8063–8072 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.3c01141
  121. F. Zhang, J. Zhang, H. Wang, J. Li, H. Liu et al., Single tungsten atom steered band-gap engineering for graphitic carbon nitride ultrathin nanosheets boosts visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution. Chem. Eng. J. 424, 130004 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.130004
  122. M. Mateen, W.-C. Cheong, C. Zheng, S.H. Talib, J. Zhang et al., Molybdenum atomic sites embedded 1D carbon nitride nanotubes as highly efficient bifunctional photocatalyst for tetracycline degradation and hydrogen evolution. Chem. Eng. J. 451, 138305 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.138305
  123. H. Jiang, X. Li, W. Zheng, H. Xu, S. Hou et al., Atomically dispersed Pt on CdS nanosheets for photocatalytic evolution of H2 and 1, 1-diethoxyethane from ethanol. ACS Appl. Nano Mater. 6(18), 17161–17170 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.3c03418
  124. F. Niu, W. Tu, X. Lu, H. Chi, H. Zhu et al., Single Pd–sx sites in situ coordinated on CdS surface as efficient hydrogen autotransfer shuttles for highly selective visible-light-driven C–N coupling. ACS Catal. 12(8), 4481–4490 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.2c00433
  125. X. Xiang, L. Zhang, C. Luo, J. Zhang, B. Cheng et al., Ultrafast electron transfer from CdS quantum dots to atomically-dispersed Pt for enhanced H2 evolution and value-added chemical synthesis. Appl. Catal. B Environ. 340, 123196 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2023.123196
  126. L. Sun, L. Han, J. Huang, X. Luo, X. Li, Single-atom catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution: a review. Int. J. Hydrog. Energy 47(40), 17583–17599 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.03.259
  127. X. Shi, L. Mao, P. Yang, H. Zheng, M. Fujitsuka et al., Ultrathin ZnIn2S4 nanosheets with active (110) facet exposure and efficient charge separation for cocatalyst free photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Appl. Catal. B Environ. 265, 118616 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2020.118616
  128. L. Sun, H. Peng, F. Xue, S. Liu, Z. Hu et al., Pd single atoms cooperate with S vacancies in ZnIn2S4 nanosheets for photocatalytic pure-water splitting. Sci. China Chem. 67(3), 855–861 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11426-023-1861-7
  129. H. Liu, J. Peng, X. Zhang, K. Zheng, L. Zheng et al., Engineering atomic Pt-N3 sites on CdS nanorods for overcoming the rate-determining organic dehydrogenation in photocatalytic coproduction of H2 and value-added chemicals. Chem. Eng. J. 504, 158618 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.158618
  130. F. Wu, X. Zhang, L. Wang, G. Li, J. Huang et al., Enhanced spin-polarized electric field modulating p-band center on Ni-doped CdS for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Small 20(27), 2309439 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202309439
  131. Y. Tang, Z.-F. Xu, Y. Sun, C. Wang, Y. Guo et al., Simultaneous and efficient utilization of photogenerated electrons and holes: a case of single-atom Pd-anchored CdS twins. Energy Environ. Sci. 17(20), 7882–7894 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE03092C
  132. H. An, C. Wei, W. Hong, Z. Cen, Z. Gao et al., Spatially selective deposition of Pt single-atom cocatalyst over ZnIn2S4/WO3 heterostructure for the boosted photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Sci. China Chem. 69(5), 2289–2294 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11426-025-3292-0
  133. L. Li, Y. Wu, Unlocking efficient direct charge transfer of Ni–N bridge 2D N-ZnIn2S4/Ni single-atom photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 17(34), 48334–48345 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.5c11461
  134. W.L. Jia, W.J. Li, H.Y. Yuan, X. Wu, Y. Liu et al., Surface Cu+ modified ZnIn2S4 for promoted visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. J. Energy Chem. 74, 341–348 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jechem.2022.07.022
  135. Z. Xue, M. Yan, Y. Zhang, J. Xu, X. Gao et al., Understanding the injection process of hydrogen on Pt1-TiO2 surface for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Appl. Catal. B Environ. 325, 122303 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2022.122303
  136. W. Zang, J. Lee, P. Tieu, X. Yan, G.W. Graham et al., Distribution of Pt single atom coordination environments on anatase TiO2 supports controls reactivity. Nat. Commun. 15, 998 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45367-z
  137. Y. Li, H. Zheng, T. Zhou, H. Cui, H. Dong et al., Zn single-atom loaded TiO2 derived from Ti-MOF for high hydrogen evolution activity under visible light. Mater. Today Energy 56, 102225 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtener.2026.102225
  138. G. Zhu, T. Wang, S. Zhang, X. Yang, W. Liu et al., Pt single atoms as electron shuttle for high-quantum-efficient photocatalytic methanol dehydrogenation. Chem. Eng. J. 524, 169511 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.169511
  139. Z.-S. Qiu, T. Zhou, Y.-W. Ma, Y.-X. Ma, T.-P. Lv et al., Single-atom Pd supported on TiO2 for the photocatalytic production of hydrogen. ACS Appl. Nano Mater. 6(24), 23524–23531 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.3c04909
  140. T. Zhou, T. Lv, B. Xiao, L. Duan, Q. Lu et al., Cu and Pd dual-single-atoms anchored titanium dioxide for remarkable photocatalytic H2 evolution efficiency. Chem. Eng. J. 478, 147372 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.147372
  141. T. Lv, B. Xiao, F. Xia, M. Chen, J. Zhao et al., Insights into synergistic effect of Pd single atoms and sub-nanoclusters on TiO2 for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution. Chem. Eng. J. 450, 137873 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.137873
  142. Y. Ma, Y. Zhang, Y. Ma, T. Lv, B. Xiao et al., In situ Cu single atoms anchoring on MOF-derived porous TiO2 for the efficient separation of photon-generated carriers and photocatalytic H2 evolution. Nanoscale 14(42), 15889–15896 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NR05099D
  143. R. Li, H. Li, X. Zhang, B. Liu, B. Wu et al., S-scheme g-C3N4/CdS heterostructures grafting single Pd atoms for ultrafast charge transport and efficient visible-light-driven H2 evolution. Adv. Funct. Mater. 34(38), 2402797 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202402797
  144. M. Sayed, K. Qi, X. Wu, L. Zhang, H. García et al., Cu-based S-scheme photocatalysts. Chem. Soc. Rev. 54(10), 4874–4921 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1039/d4cs01091d
  145. D. Liu, C. Zhang, J. Shi, X. Jin, W. Liu et al., Modulating local coordination structure over single Pt atom to optimize adsorption behavior for high-efficiency photocatalytic H2 production. Appl. Catal. B Environ. Energy 361, 124655 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.124655
  146. S. Qin, N. Denisov, B. Osuagwu, J. Kolařík, B.B. Sarma et al., Minuscule amounts of Pt single atoms selectively loaded on minor (101) facet of anatase crystallites enables outstanding utilization efficiency for photocatalytic H2 production. Adv. Funct. Mater. 35(24), 2423088 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202423088
  147. H. Chen, P. Li, N. Umezawa, H. Abe, J. Ye et al., Bonding and electron energy-level alignment at metal/TiO2 interfaces: a density functional theory study. J. Phys. Chem. C 120(10), 5549–5556 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b12681
  148. B. Hammer, J.K. Nørskov, Electronic factors determining the reactivity of metal surfaces. Surf. Sci. 343(3), 211–220 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1016/0039-6028(96)80007-0
  149. Y. Chen, S. Ji, W. Sun, Y. Lei, Q. Wang et al., Engineering the atomic interface with single platinum atoms for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 59(3), 1295–1301 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201912439
  150. G. Cha, I. Hwang, S. Hejazi, A.S. Dobrota, I.A. Pašti et al., As a single atom Pd outperforms Pt as the most active co-catalyst for photocatalytic H2 evolution. iScience 24(8), 102938 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2021.102938
  151. H. Li, Z. Luo, J. Han, Z. Yu, Q. Xue et al., Nitrogen-shift-engineered Pt single-atom/cluster synergy boosts covalent organic frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 65(6), e24704 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202524704
  152. L. Zhang, R. Long, Y. Zhang, D. Duan, Y. Xiong et al., Direct observation of dynamic bond evolution in single-atom Pt/C3N4 catalysts. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 59(15), 6224–6229 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201915774
  153. W. Tang, J. Zeng, F. Bian, H. Lin, H. Zhao et al., Engineering heteroatomic structures in Pt single-atom anchored covalent organic frameworks for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. J. Mater. Chem. A 13(25), 19682–19694 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA01922B
  154. A. Holmes, J. Pan, L. Wang, L. Franco, R.R. Bicudo et al., Highly efficient platinum-free photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from low-cost conjugated polymer nanops. Adv. Mater. 37(40), 2507702 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202507702
  155. J. Wang, Y. Kong, L. Ren, Y. Shuang, C. Hong et al., Dual dynamics engineering in COF@MOF enabled by laser-embedded metallic clusters for efficient photocatalytic hydrogenation. Adv. Mater. 38(8), e18087 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202518087
  156. Y. Wu, Q. Wu, Q. Zhang, Z. Lou, K. Liu et al., An organometal halide perovskite supported Pt single-atom photocatalyst for H2 evolution. Energy Environ. Sci. 15(3), 1271–1281 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EE03679C
  157. Q. Xi, J. Liu, F. Xie, A. Jian, Z. Sun et al., Electron-parking engineering assisted ZnIn2S4/Mo2TiC2-Ru photocatalytic hydrogen evolution for efficient solar energy conversion and storage. Appl. Catal. B Environ. Energy 355, 124184 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.124184
  158. Y. Qi, B. Zhang, G. Zhang, Z. Zheng, T. Xie et al., Efficient overall water splitting of a suspended photocatalyst boosted by metal-support interaction. Joule 8(1), 193–203 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2023.12.005
  159. S. Wu, S. Zhang, Q. Zhang, G. Liu, J. Yang et al., Efficient holes abstraction by precisely decorating ruthenium single atoms and RuOx clusters on ZnIn2S4 for photocatalytic pure water splitting. Small 20(45), 2405153 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202405153
  160. C.S. Vennapoosa, S. Varangane, B.M. Abraham, V. Bhasin, S. Bhattacharyya et al., Single-atom Ru catalyst-decorated CNF(ZnO) nanocages for efficient H2 evolution and CH3OH production. J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 14(50), 11400–11411 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02347
  161. B. Xing, T. Wang, Z. Zheng, S. Liu, J. Mao et al., Synchronous fabrication of Ru single atoms and RuO2 on hierarchical TiO2 spheres for enhanced photocatalytic coproduction of H2 and benzaldehyde. Chem. Eng. J. 461, 141871 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.141871
  162. F. Yang, S. Liu, T. Tang, S. Yao, C. An, Visible-light driven H2 evolution coupled with furfuryl alcohol selective oxidation over Ru atom decorated Zn0.5Cd0.5S nanorods. Catal. Sci. Technol. 13(8), 2469–2474 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CY01945K
  163. C. Li, X. Dong, Y. Zhang, J. Hu, J. Yuan et al., Micro-tailored g-C3N4 enables Ru single-atom loading for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution. Appl. Surf. Sci. 596, 153471 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.153471
  164. C. Yuan, Y. Shen, C. Zhu, P. Zhu, F. Yang et al., Ru single-atom decorated black TiO2 nanosheets for efficient solar-driven hydrogen production. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 10(31), 10311–10317 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c02740
  165. P. Kumar, H. Zhang, A.G. Yohannes, J. Wang, A. Shayesteh Zeraati et al., Isolated iridium oxide sites on modified carbon nitride for photoreforming of plastic derivatives. Nat. Commun. 16, 2862 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57999-w
  166. J. Li, J. Han, X. Zou, N. Xu, F. Gu et al., Cocreation of photogenerated electron and hole collectors on polymeric carbon nitride synergistically promotes carrier separation and reaction kinetics towards propelling photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 667, 101–110 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2024.04.071
  167. T. He, S. Chen, B. Ni, Y. Gong, Z. Wu et al., Zirconium–porphyrin-based metal–organic framework hollow nanotubes for immobilization of noble-metal single atoms. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 57(13), 3493–3498 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201800817
  168. R. Xia, W. Wang, T. Zhou, J. Yang, G. Jia et al., Au1-N3 site induced mid-band charge trapping in carbon-defective holey G-C3-xN4 enhances highly efficient photocatalytic H2 production. Adv. Funct. Mater. 36(18), e12866 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202512866
  169. M. Gao, F. Tian, X. Zhang, Z. Chen, W. Yang et al., Improved plasmonic hot-electron capture in Au nanop/polymeric carbon nitride by Pt single atoms for broad-spectrum photocatalytic H2 evolution. Nano-Micro Lett. 15(1), 129 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-023-01098-2
  170. Y. Sun, J. Lin, W. Yang, X. Chen, H. Zhang et al., Unraveling the multifunctional sites of Ag single-atom and nanops confined within carbon nitride nanotubes for synergistic photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Small 21(2), 2408655 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202408655
  171. Y. Yang, Y. Xiao, L. Jiang, J. Li, J. Li et al., Ultrahigh single Au atoms loaded porous aromatic frameworks for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Adv. Mater. 36(41), 2404791 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202404791
  172. W. Zhan, N. Yang, T. Zhou, J. Zhang, T. He et al., Construction of Ag single atoms and nanops co-modified g-C3N4 for synergistic plasma photocatalytic broad-spectrum hydrogen production. Chin. J. Catal. 79, 162–173 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-2067(25)64846-7
  173. J.-C. Kao, T.-Y. Teng, H.-W. Lin, F.-G. Tseng, L.-Y. Ting et al., Single atom Ag bonding between PF3T nanocluster and TiO2 leads the ultra-stable visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 production. Small 20(43), 2403176 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202403176
  174. D. Ma, C. Zhi, J. Chen, X. Zhang, K. Song et al., Trace Au induced growth of mixed-phase MoS2 nanosheets on 2D g-C3N4 to facilitate the well-organized charge migration in photocatalytic H2 evolution. ACS Mater. Lett. 6(6), 2497–2505 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmaterialslett.4c00617
  175. S.V. Mohite, S. Kim, J. Bae, H.J. Jeong, T.W. Kim et al., Defects healing of the ZnO surface by filling with Au atom catalysts for efficient photocatalytic H2 production. Small 20(4), 2304393 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202304393
  176. B. Yan, H. Song, G. Yang, A facile and green large-scale fabrication of single atom catalysts for high photocatalytic H2 evolution activity. Chem. Eng. J. 427, 131795 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.131795
  177. X.-H. Jiang, L.-S. Zhang, H.-Y. Liu, D.-S. Wu, F.-Y. Wu et al., Silver single atom in carbon nitride catalyst for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 59(51), 23112–23116 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202011495
  178. S. Chavez, A. Acharya, Z. Dehghan, Revisiting thermal and non-thermal effects in hybrid plasmonic antenna reactor photocatalysts. Chem. Catal. 5(3), 101294 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.checat.2025.101294
  179. X. Zhang, X. Li, M.E. Reish, D. Zhang, N.Q. Su et al., Plasmon-enhanced catalysis: distinguishing thermal and nonthermal effects. Nano Lett. 18(3), 1714–1723 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b04776
  180. Y. Fu, K. Lu, Y. Wang, Y. Si, J. Shi et al., Hemilabile single-atom catalysts facilitating photothermal synergetic catalysis. Sci. Bull. 69(12), 1833–1838 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2024.04.041
  181. H. He, Y. Ren, S. Lan, H. Zhang, Y.-H. Zhu et al., Cross-scale construction of photothermal synergistic catalytic systems: mechanistic insights from single atoms, clusters to nanops and energy conversion applications. Appl. Catal. B Environ. Energy 378, 125623 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2025.125623
  182. P. Christopher, M. Moskovits, Hot charge carrier transmission from plasmonic nanostructures. Annu. Rev. Phys. Chem. 68, 379–398 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-physchem-052516-044948
  183. Z. Xu, H. Liu, J.-L. Yang, X. Gong, Y. Chen et al., Exploring the mechanisms of charge transfer and identifying active sites in the hydrogen evolution reaction using hollow C@MoS2-Au@CdS nanostructures as photocatalysts. Adv. Mater. 37(17), 2501091 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202501091
  184. A. Moutsiou, A. Olivati, L.A. Cipriano, A. Sivo, S.M. Collins et al., Tracking charge dynamics in a silver single-atom catalyst during the light-driven oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. ACS Catal. 15(7), 5601–5613 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.4c05208
  185. D. Grinberg, Y. Paz, Recent progress in transient spectroscopy studies of solid statephotocatalysts. Curr. Opin. Green Sustain. Chem. 41, 100768 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsc.2023.100768
  186. K.-A. Tsai, J.-C. Chang, Y.-C. Pu, Charge carrier dynamics at heterojunction of semiconductor nanoheterostructures for photocatalytic solar fuel generation. Adv. Energy Sustain. Res. 6(7), 2400329 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/aesr.202400329
  187. E.L. Keller, R.R. Frontiera, Ultrafast nanoscale Raman thermometry proves heating is not a primary mechanism for plasmon-driven photocatalysis. ACS Nano 12(6), 5848–5855 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.8b01809
  188. S. Wu, M. Sheldon, Mechanisms of photothermalization in plasmonic nanostructures: insights into the steady state. Annu. Rev. Phys. Chem. 74, 521–545 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-physchem-062422-014911
  189. G. Baffou, I. Bordacchini, A. Baldi, R. Quidant, Simple experimental procedures to distinguish photothermal from hot-carrier processes in plasmonics. Light Sci. Appl. 9, 108 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-020-00345-0
  190. R. Usamentiaga, P. Venegas, J. Guerediaga, L. Vega, J. Molleda et al., Infrared thermography for temperature measurement and non-destructive testing. Sensors 14(7), 12305–12348 (2014). https://doi.org/10.3390/s140712305
  191. K. Chen, H. Wang, Origin of superlinear power dependence of reaction rates in plasmon-driven photocatalysis: a case study of reductive nitrothiophenol coupling reactions. Nano Lett. 23(7), 2870–2876 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00195
  192. Y. Kim, D. Dumett Torres, P.K. Jain, Activation energies of plasmonic catalysts. Nano Lett. 16(5), 3399–3407 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b01373
  193. C. Tiburski, A. Boje, S. Nilsson, Z. Say, J. Fritzsche et al., Light-off in plasmon-mediated photocatalysis. ACS Nano 15(7), 11535–11542 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.1c01537
  194. B. Seemala, A.J. Therrien, M. Lou, K. Li, J.P. Finzel et al., Plasmon-mediated catalytic O2 dissociation on Ag nanostructures: hot electrons or near fields. ACS Energy Lett. 4(8), 1803–1809 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.9b00990
  195. S. Xu, A. Fan, H. Wang, X. Zhang, X. Wang, Raman-based nanoscale thermal transport characterization: a critical review. Int. J. Heat Mass Transf. 154, 119751 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2020.119751
  196. L. Đačanin Far, M. Dramićanin, Luminescence thermometry with nanops: a review. Nanomaterials 13(21), 2904 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13212904
  197. Y. Dubi, I.W. Un, Y. Sivan, Thermal effects–an alternative mechanism for plasmon-assisted photocatalysis. Chem. Sci. 11(19), 5017–5027 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1039/c9sc06480j
  198. S. Linic, U. Aslam, C. Boerigter, M. Morabito, Photochemical transformations on plasmonic metal nanops. Nat. Mater. 14(6), 567–576 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat4281
  199. P. Christopher, H. Xin, S. Linic, Visible-light-enhanced catalytic oxidation reactions on plasmonic silver nanostructures. Nat. Chem. 3(6), 467–472 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nchem.1032
  200. A. Gellé, T. Jin, L. de la Garza, G.D. Price, L.V. Besteiro et al., Applications of plasmon-enhanced nanocatalysis to organic transformations. Chem. Rev. 120(2), 986–1041 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00187
  201. G. Baffou, F. Cichos, R. Quidant, Applications and challenges of thermoplasmonics. Nat. Mater. 19(9), 946–958 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41563-020-0740-6
  202. Y. Dubi, Y. Sivan, “Hot” electrons in metallic nanostructures: non-thermal carriers or heating. Light Sci. Appl. 8, 89 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41377-019-0199-x
  203. Z. Wang, T. Hisatomi, R. Li, K. Sayama, G. Liu et al., Efficiency accreditation and testing protocols for particulate photocatalysts toward solar fuel production. Joule 5(2), 344–359 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2021.01.001
  204. E. Cortés, R. Grzeschik, S.A. Maier, S. Schlücker, Experimental characterization techniques for plasmon-assisted chemistry. Nat. Rev. Chem. 6(4), 259–274 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-022-00368-8
  205. S.J.W. Vonk, T.P. van Swieten, A. Cocina, F.T. Rabouw, Photonic artifacts in ratiometric luminescence nanothermometry. Nano Lett. 23(14), 6560–6566 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c01602
  206. M. Liu, J. Liang, F. Vetrone, Toward accurate photoluminescence nanothermometry using rare-earth doped nanops for biomedical applications. Acc. Chem. Res. 57(18), 2653–2664 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00342
  207. H. Wang, Deciphering plasmonic photocatalysis using plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Trends Chem. 6(9), 510–524 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trechm.2024.05.006
  208. Tip-enhanced Raman scattering, Nat. Rev. Methods Primers. 4(1), 48 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-024-00337-z
  209. L. Shen, P. Yu, J. Meng, X. Liu, T.-C. Weng, Advanced X-ray spectroscopies: unveiling chemical reaction mechanism in photo/electrocatalytic water splitting. Mater. Today Chem. 42, 102397 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtchem.2024.102397
  210. W. Cheng, D. Kido, Y. Niwa, S. Bo, M. Kimura et al., In situ pump-flow-probe XAFS study of photoexcited electron transfer over single atom-Pt/CoOOH photocatalysts. Chem. Lett. 53(1), upae012 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1093/chemle/upae012
  211. L. Piccolo, P. Afanasiev, F. Morfin, T. Len, C. Dessal et al., Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy investigation of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over ultradispersed Pt/TiO2 catalysts. ACS Catal. 10(21), 12696–12705 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.0c03464
  212. P. Zhang, H.-C. Chen, H. Zhu, K. Chen, T. Li et al., Inter-site structural heterogeneity induction of single atom Fe catalysts for robust oxygen reduction. Nat. Commun. 15(1), 2062 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46389-3
  213. Z. Li, Y. Chen, J. Pei, X. Zhou, S. Chen et al., In situ analysis photogenerated electron transport behavior of C self-doped carbon nitride for photocatalytic H2 production. ACS Catal. 14(16), 12093–12101 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.4c02090
  214. E. Cui, Y. Lu, Z. Li, J. Sang, Z. Wang et al., Unveiling the charge transfer dynamics regulated by bonding evolution in single-atom Pt/C3N5 for boosting hydrogen evolution. Appl. Catal. B Environ. Energy 347, 123806 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.123806
  215. A. Talebian-Kiakalaieh, M. Guo, E.M. Hashem, B. Xia, Y. Jiang et al., In situ characterizations revealing ruthenium-atom-induced raise of photocatalytic performance. Adv. Energy Mater. 13(37), 2301594 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202301594
  216. B. Xiao, C. Shen, Z. Luo, D. Li, X. Kuang et al., Cu surface doped TiO2: constructing Cu single-atoms active sites and broadening the photo-response range for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production. Chem. Eng. J. 468, 143650 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.143650
  217. A. Wang, J. Li, T. Zhang, Heterogeneous single-atom catalysis. Nat. Rev. Chem. 2(6), 65–81 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-018-0010-1
  218. J. Lin, Y. Wang, W. Tian, H. Zhang, H. Sun et al., Macroporous carbon-nitride-supported transition-metal single-atom catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production from ammonia splitting. ACS Catal. 13(17), 11711–11722 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.3c02076
  219. L. Kang, B. Zhu, Q. Gu, X. Duan, L. Ying et al., Light-driven propane dehydrogenation by a single-atom catalyst under near-ambient conditions. Nat. Chem. 17(6), 890–896 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-025-01766-3
  220. X. Hai, L. Fang, M. Xiong, X. Zhou, S. Wang et al., Charge density modulation of pyrene-related small molecules by nitrogen heteroatoms precisely regulates photocatalytic generation of hydrogen. ACS Nano 17(20), 20570–20579 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c07398
  221. T. Hu, G. Jiang, Y. Yan, S. Lan, J. Xie et al., Facile synthesis of Fe single-atom porous photocatalysts via direct metal atomization achieving efficient photocatalytic nitrogen fixation. J. Mater. Sci. Technol. 167, 248–257 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2023.05.038
  222. F. Ma, Q. Tang, S. Xi, G. Li, T. Chen et al., Benzimidazole-based covalent organic framework embedding single-atom Pt sites for visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Chin. J. Catal. 48, 137–149 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-2067(23)64422-5
  223. D. Jiang, H. Yuan, Z. Liu, Y. Chen, Y. Li et al., Defect-anchored single-atom-layer Pt clusters on TiO2−x/Ti for efficient hydrogen evolution via photothermal reforming plastics. Appl. Catal. B Environ. 339, 123081 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2023.123081
  224. I. Ogino, X-ray absorption spectroscopy for single-atom catalysts: critical importance and persistent challenges. Chin. J. Catal. 38(9), 1481–1488 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1872-2067(17)62880-8
  225. F. Zaera, In-situ and operando spectroscopies for the characterization of catalysts and of mechanisms of catalytic reactions. J. Catal. 404, 900–910 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2021.08.013
  226. S.A. Ali, I. Sadiq, T. Ahmad, Operando characterization technique innovations in single-atom catalyst-derived electrochemical CO2 conversion. Chem. Commun. 61(45), 8157–8169 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1039/d5cc01287b
  227. Y.H. Li, C. Li, H.G. Yang, Quantitative analysis of the PtO structure during photocatalytic water splitting by operando XAFS. J. Mater. Chem. A 5(39), 20631–20634 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TA07440A
  228. X. Ruan, C. Ding, J. Leng, D. Jiao, X. Zhang et al., Decoupling of carrier pathways in Au/Cu-Zn3In2S6 through bulk hole trapping and surface hot electron accumulation enhances photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production. Adv. Mater. 37(44), e11422 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202511422
  229. J. Ma, T.J. Miao, J. Tang, Charge carrier dynamics and reaction intermediates in heterogeneous photocatalysis by time-resolved spectroscopies. Chem. Soc. Rev. 51(14), 5777–5794 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CS01164B
  230. F. Zhang, Y. Jiang, J. Liu, A. Jiang, Y. Cao et al., Exploration of ultrafast dynamic processes in photocatalysis: advances and challenges. Fundam. Res. 5(6), 2838–2849 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fmre.2024.04.003
  231. M. Sachs, H. Cha, J. Kosco, C.M. Aitchison, L. Francàs et al., Tracking charge transfer to residual metal clusters in conjugated polymers for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 142(34), 14574–14587 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.0c06104
  232. H. Xiang, W. Liu, Z. Zeng, J. Chen, B. Lin et al., Revealing the roles of light and heat for enhanced interfacial charge transfer in photocatalytic conversion of methanol to formaldehyde coupled with hydrogen evolution. Green Chem. 28(3), 1514–1528 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1039/D5GC03911H
  233. B. Weng, Y. Jiang, H.-G. Liao, M.B.J. Roeffaers, F. Lai et al., Visualizing light-induced dynamic structural transformations of Au clusters-based photocatalyst via in situ TEM. Nano Res. 14(8), 2805–2809 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-021-3289-z
  234. D. Mateo, J.L. Cerrillo, S. Durini, J. Gascon, Fundamentals and applications of photo-thermal catalysis. Chem. Soc. Rev. 50(3), 2173–2210 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1039/d0cs00357c
  235. X. Ning, G. Lu, Photocorrosion inhibition of CdS-based catalysts for photocatalytic overall water splitting. Nanoscale 12(3), 1213–1223 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1039/c9nr09183a
  236. S. Vanka, G. Zeng, T.G. Deutsch, F.M. Toma, Z. Mi, Long-term stability metrics of photoelectrochemical water splitting. Front. Energy Res. 10, 840140 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2022.840140
  237. Y. Zhu, D. Liu, M. Meng, H2 spillover enhanced hydrogenation capability of TiO2 used for photocatalytic splitting of water: a traditional phenomenon for new applications. Chem. Commun. 50(45), 6049–6051 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1039/C4CC01667J
  238. B. Li, C. Guo, X. Wang, W. Dong, B. Xu et al., Strong interaction of single-atom Pt with Cd0.5Zn0.5S: electronic structure regulation and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution promotion. Mater. Today Nano 21, 100281 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtnano.2022.100281
  239. L. He, M. Li, L. Qiu, X. Ren, F. Tian et al., Breaking the symmetry of high-entropy alloy surfaces for compressively strain-tuned oxygen reduction reaction. Nat. Commun. 16, 10834 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65856-z
  240. F. Tian, S. Geng, M. Li, L. Qiu, F. Wu et al., Bioinspired tandem catalyst with topological ordered water networks accelerates alkaline hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis. Appl. Catal. B Environ. Energy 386, 126427 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2026.126427
  241. V.B. Saptal, C. Saetta, A. Laufenböck, M. Sterrer, I.S. Kwon et al., An adaptive palladium single-atom catalyst enabling reactivity switching between borylation and C–C coupling. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 147(22), 18524–18540 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.4c17943
  242. X. Ren, L. Qiu, M. Li, F. Tian, L. He et al., Hierarchically interfacial sulfide/phosphides achieve industry-level water electrolyzer in alkaline conditions at 3 A cm−2. Appl. Catal. B Environ. Energy 378, 125622 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2025.125622
  243. F. Tian, T. Zhang, M. Li, L. Qiu, F. Wu et al., Spatially segregated sites on Mo/V-dual-tailored Ru metallic glass nanosheets accelerate alkaline hydrogen evolution. Nano Res. 19(5), 94908226 (2026). https://doi.org/10.26599/nr.2025.94908226
  244. C. Bao, F. Wu, F. Wang, L. Qiu, M. Li et al., Nanosized hollow Cu(I)/Cu(II)-metal-organic frameworks for highly efficient catalysis in azide-alkyne cycloaddition and nucleic acid-templated ligation. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 703, 139172 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2025.139172
  245. J. Luo, V. Ruta, I.S. Kwon, J. Albertazzi, N. Allasia et al., Fabricating a structured single-atom catalyst via high-resolution photopolymerization 3D printing. Adv. Funct. Mater. 34(42), 2404794 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202404794
  246. T.A. Gazis, V. Ruta, G. Vilé, On the hunt for chiral single-atom catalysts. ACS Catal. 15(9), 6852–6873 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.4c07405
Read More
Author biographies are not available.
Download this PDF file
PDF

Most read articles by the same author(s)