Nano-island-encapsulated cobalt single-atom catalysts for breaking activity-stability trade-off in Fenton-like reactions

Zhi-Quan Zhang, Pi-Jun Duan, Jie-Xuan Zheng, Yun-Qiu Xie, Chang-Wei Bai, Yi-Jiao Sun, Xin-Jia Chen, Fei Chen () and Han-Qing Yu ()
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Zhi-Quan Zhang: Chongqing University
Pi-Jun Duan: Chongqing University
Jie-Xuan Zheng: Soochow University
Yun-Qiu Xie: Chongqing University
Chang-Wei Bai: Chongqing University
Yi-Jiao Sun: Chongqing University
Xin-Jia Chen: Chongqing University
Fei Chen: Chongqing University
Han-Qing Yu: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have been increasingly acknowledged for their performance in sustainable Fenton-like catalysis. However, SACs face a trade-off between activity and stability in peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based systems. Herein, we design a nano-island encapsulated single cobalt atom (CoSA/Zn.O-ZnO) catalyst to enhance the activity and stability of PMS activation for contaminant degradation via an “island-sea” synergistic effect. In this configuration, small carrier-based ZnO nanoparticles (the “islands”) are utilized to confine and stabilize Co single atoms. The expansive ZnO substrate (the “sea”) upholds a neutral microenvironment within the reaction system. The CoSA/Zn.O-ZnO/PMS system exhibits a remarkable selectivity in exclusively generating sulfate radicals (SO4•-), leading to a complete removal of various recalcitrant pollutants within a shorter period. Characterized by minimal leaching of active sites, robust catalytic performance, and low-toxicity decontamination, this system proves highly efficient in multiple treatment cycles and complex water matrices. The design effectively breaks the activity-stability trade-off typically associated with SACs.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55622-y

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