Nitrogen-doped carbon-based single-atom Fe catalysts: Synthesis, properties, and applications in advanced oxidation processes

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) combine the benefits of both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts, they have emerged as the frontier in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The isolated active metal centers of carbon-based single-metal atom catalysts can be utilized to the maximum extent. They have recently gained popularity in the realm of environmental catalysis because of their high activity, selectivity, and structural/chemical stability. Nitrogen-doped carbon-based Single-atom Fe catalysts (Fe-SACs) have a high density of the active site, low metal leaching rate and good catalytic performance, and thus have attracted the attention of researchers. However, there seems to be a lack of thorough and critical reviews on the use of carbon-based Fe-SACs for AOPs degradation of organic water pollution. In this review, we focused on the Fe-SACs made of carbon-based materials and their synthesis methods and physical characteristics. We also investigated at how Fe-SACs were used to effectively eliminate contaminants in different AOPs. In addition, the degradation mechanisms and stability of carbon-based Fe-SACs have been discussed. Finally, the advantages of carbon-based Fe-SACs in the catalytic degradation of pollutants are summarized, and the future opportunities and prospects of carbon-based Fe-SACs in the catalytic field are proposed.