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Nano-island-encapsulated cobalt single-atom catalysts for breaking activity-stability trade-off in Fenton-like reactions

Author

Listed:
  • Zhi-Quan Zhang

    (Chongqing University)

  • Pi-Jun Duan

    (Chongqing University)

  • Jie-Xuan Zheng

    (Soochow University)

  • Yun-Qiu Xie

    (Chongqing University)

  • Chang-Wei Bai

    (Chongqing University)

  • Yi-Jiao Sun

    (Chongqing University)

  • Xin-Jia Chen

    (Chongqing University)

  • Fei Chen

    (Chongqing University)

  • Han-Qing Yu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

Abstract

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have been increasingly acknowledged for their performance in sustainable Fenton-like catalysis. However, SACs face a trade-off between activity and stability in peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based systems. Herein, we design a nano-island encapsulated single cobalt atom (CoSA/Zn.O-ZnO) catalyst to enhance the activity and stability of PMS activation for contaminant degradation via an “island-sea” synergistic effect. In this configuration, small carrier-based ZnO nanoparticles (the “islands”) are utilized to confine and stabilize Co single atoms. The expansive ZnO substrate (the “sea”) upholds a neutral microenvironment within the reaction system. The CoSA/Zn.O-ZnO/PMS system exhibits a remarkable selectivity in exclusively generating sulfate radicals (SO4•-), leading to a complete removal of various recalcitrant pollutants within a shorter period. Characterized by minimal leaching of active sites, robust catalytic performance, and low-toxicity decontamination, this system proves highly efficient in multiple treatment cycles and complex water matrices. The design effectively breaks the activity-stability trade-off typically associated with SACs.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhi-Quan Zhang & Pi-Jun Duan & Jie-Xuan Zheng & Yun-Qiu Xie & Chang-Wei Bai & Yi-Jiao Sun & Xin-Jia Chen & Fei Chen & Han-Qing Yu, 2025. "Nano-island-encapsulated cobalt single-atom catalysts for breaking activity-stability trade-off in Fenton-like reactions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-55622-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55622-y
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