Metal

Quantum mechanics

Catalysis

Adsorption

Engineering

Chemical physics

Oxide

Metallurgy

Materials science

Biochemistry

Chemical engineering

Physical chemistry

Physics

Nanotechnology

Atomic layer deposition

Thin film

Chemistry

Atomic units

Advanced Materials

Isolated single atomic site catalysts have attracted great interest due to their remarkable catalytic properties. Because of their high surface energy, single atoms are highly mobile and tend to form aggregate during synthetic and catalytic processes. Therefore, it is a significant challenge to fabricate isolated single atomic site catalysts with good stability. Herein, a gentle method to stabilize single atomic site metal by constructing defects on the surface of supports is presented. As a proof of concept, single atomic site Au supported on defective TiO2 nanosheets is prepared and it is discovered that (1) the surface defects on TiO2 nanosheets can effectively stabilize Au single atomic sites through forming the Ti-Au-Ti structure; and (2) the Ti-Au-Ti structure can also promote the catalytic properties through reducing the energy barrier and relieving the competitive adsorption on isolated Au atomic sites. It is believed that this work paves a way to design stable and active single atomic site catalysts on oxide supports.

Defect Effects on TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanosheets: Stabilizing Single Atomic Site Au and Promoting Catalytic Properties

Defect Effects on TiO2 Nanosheets: Stabilizing Single Atomic Site Au and Promoting Catalytic Properties

Defect Effects on TiO₂ Nanosheets: Stabilizing Single Atomic Site Au and Promoting Catalytic Properties