Design strategies and applications of atomically dispersed aerogel catalysts prepared from metal hydrogel formation

Abstract The preparation of metal hydrogel precursors toward atomically dispersed aerogel catalysts is a captivating subject within the catalysis research domain, exhibiting promising applications in various fields. This minireview intend to summarize those novel design principles and practical applications of metal hydrogel precursors in the creation of atomically dispersed aerogel catalysts. The manuscript focuses on crucial aspects such as the meticulous selection of metal sources and initiators, the intricate process of gel preparation, a comparative analysis of different drying methods, and strategic optimization techniques to enhance the performance of metal hydrogel precursors. Moreover, this article delves into the exploration of atomically dispersed aerogel catalysts derived from metal hydrogel precursors in the realms of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Lastly, existing challenges are addressed, and prospective future directions for development are outlined.