Co single-atom cluster encapsulated catalyst

short-pathway Fenton-like degradation

Asymmetrically coordinated Co single atoms and clusters encapsulated in millimetric ZSM-5 form a well-defined synergistic ensemble for fast and robust degradation of micropollutants in complex water matrices.

Min-Ping, Zhu · Yang, Jia Cheng E. · Ao, Zhimin · Zheng, Yu Ming · Paul Chen J.

Applied Catalysis B: Environmental 2026

Specifications

OH and nonradicals

{'zh': '1', 'en': '1'} O2

Advantages

Fast degradation

The synergy between single atoms and clusters upshifts the d-band center, promoting electron spillover to PMS and lowering the activation energy barrier, resulting in rapid kinetics.

Strong interference resistance

The confined microenvironment in nanoporous ZSM-5 stabilizes the radical–nonradical synergy, minimizing interference from complex water matrices.

Dual active species

The reaction simultaneously generates radicals (SO4•–, •OH) and nonradicals (1O2, CoIV=O), broadening applicability to diverse pollutants.

Low activation energy

Electronic structure modulation lowers the PMS activation barrier, enabling efficient oxidation under mild conditions.

Applications

• single-atom catalysts：Provides synergistic single-atom and cluster active sites, replacing homogeneous Fenton catalysts and reducing metal leaching.
• catalytic materials：As a structured heterogeneous catalyst, it can be used in column reactors for continuous organic wastewater treatment.
• photocatalytic water treatment：Degrades micropollutants via Fenton-like reactions without requiring light irradiation.
• electrocatalytic water treatment：Can serve as an active material in electrocatalysis-assisted oxidation of recalcitrant organics.
• hydrogen evolution catalysts：The coordination structure tunes electronic properties, offering potential active sites for hydrogen evolution.