Sustainable chlorine cycle enabled by single atom catalysis

Jiarui Yang (), Jiaxiang Shang, Xiong Wen David Lou () and Jianglan Shui ()
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Jiarui Yang: Tianmushan Laboratory
Jiaxiang Shang: Beihang University, School of Materials Science and Engineering
Xiong Wen David Lou: 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong
Jianglan Shui: Tianmushan Laboratory

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract In the pursuit of sustainable development, the world faces two key challenges: effective waste management and improved energy efficiency. In this context, it is necessary to propose a chlorine-centered sustainable solution, as the related industries consume large amounts of electricity and precious metals while generating significant quantities of plastic waste. Here, we report a chloride electrocatalyst of titanium nitride-supported ruthenium single-atoms (Ru1@TiN) that exhibits high efficiency for chlorine evolution reaction of NaCl in multi-conditions, with a nearly 100% selectivity in a wide range of pH values, potentially saving some of the electricity for the chlor-alkali industry. Moreover, Ru1@TiN can decompose polyvinyl chloride waste into chlorine and other valuable chemicals, providing an approach to plastic upcycling and green chlorine production. A coordination-derived activation mechanism on TiN support is uncovered and a dynamic polyatomic active site is proposed to explain the achieved catalytic performances. This work will benefit developing sustainable chlorine chemical industries.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65505-5

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