Single-Atom catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction and methanol oxidation reaction

The use of single-atom catalysts (SACs) has emerged as a very promising advancement in the field of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). This is primarily attributed to their exceptional electrical properties and atomic efficiency. Nevertheless, the progress of electrocatalysis in the future is contingent upon the discovery of catalysts that are most effective, achieved by the thorough examination of active sites and reaction pathways. The primary objective of this review was to examine the theories and hypotheses pertaining to activity descriptors for SACs. Specifically, it aimed to elucidate the influence of the coordination number of the metal center and the nearest neighbor configuration on the active sites during electrocatalysis. Additionally, the review aimed to provide an overview of the recent advancements in electrocatalytic ORR and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) using SACs.