Atomic‐Level Engineered Cobalt Catalysts for Fenton‐Like Reactions: Synergy of Single Atom Metal Sites and Nonmetal‐Bonded Functionalities

Abstract Single atom catalysts (SACs) are atomic‐level‐engineered materials with high intrinsic activity. Catalytic centers of SACs are typically the transition metal (TM)–nonmetal coordination sites, while the functions of coexisting non‐TM‐bonded functionalities are usually overlooked in catalysis. Herein, the scalable preparation of carbon‐supported cobalt‐anchored SACs (CoCN) with controlled Co─N sites and free functional N species is reported. The role of metal‐ and nonmetal‐bonded functionalities in the SACs for peroxymonosulfate (PMS)‐driven Fenton‐like reactions is first systematically studied, revealing their contribution to performance improvement and pathway steering. Experiments and computations…

• AN
  Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

  Awards: M21947, M20537
• AS
  Australian Synchrotron
• AR
  Australian Research Council

  Awards: DP230102406, DE210100253, FL230100178