A novel Cu single-atom catalyst prepared through the adsorption characteristics of MoS: from preparation to application

• Published in: Journal of materials chemistry. A, Materials for energy and sustainability Materials for energy and sustainability, 2024-01, Vol.12 (3), p.1582-1594
• Main Authors: Zhang, Xu, Ran, Lang, Zheng, Yajuan, Zhang, Heng, Zhu, Lingxiao, Zhou, Lincheng, Zhang, Hong
• Format: Article
• ISSN: 2050-7488; 2050-7496
• DOI: 10.1039/d3ta06517k

Single-atom catalysis is one of the most popular methods to treat wastewater at present. However, how to improve the catalyst performance without aggregation and broaden the application range is the main problem that puzzles the further development of this technology. Herein, a novel method for the preparation of single-atom catalysts was proposed to solve this problem. Cu loaded on flower-like MoS 2 layers with atomic dispersion was obtained through the adsorption of metal ions by MoS 2 and high-temperature annealing in the presence of thiourea. The atomic level dispersion of Cu was confirmed by high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure. The electronic and coordination structures of central Cu were revealed by X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). Notably, the removal efficiency of methylene blue by the catalyst was nearly 80% even at a pH of 11.0, and such excellent performance could be attributed to the synergistic effect with MoS 2 . Furthermore, the application potential of the catalyst was validated through experiments in a reactor. In conclusion, this study not only presents innovative concepts for the design of single-atom catalysts but also provides valuable insights into their application in aquatic environments. A novel synthesis method of a Cu single-atom catalyst and a study on the application potential of the catalyst for degradation of methylene blue.