Structurally Defined Low-Coordination Single-Atom Strategy for CO 2 Photoconversion to Formic Acid
Abstract
A central challenge in single-atom catalysis lies in the precise construction of structurally well-defined local coordination environments at isolated metal sites while retaining low coordination numbers. Here, we present an edge-bonding strategy that confines isolated metal atoms to well-defined edge sites of covalent triazine frameworks, enabling deterministic construction of structurally defined low-coordination environments. With Ni as a model, this approach yields single-atom sites with a well-defined Ni–N 1 –C 6 coordination motif and allows precise control over their spatial distribution. The strategy is readily extendable to other metals, affording single-atom catalysts with structurally defined and highly accessible low-coordination environments. Such geometrically low-coordination sites optimize photogenerated carrier separation and transport while selectively stabilizing the key *OCHO intermediate in the CO 2 reduction pathway, thereby directing the reaction toward HCOOH with 98.5% selectivity. This work establishes a principle for achieving low-coordination microenvironments at single-atom sites via macroscopic regulation of support structures, providing a rational strategy for single-atom catalyst design.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Carbon dioxide utilization in catalysis
CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts
Covalent Organic Framework Applications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 148
- Issue
- 27
- Pages
- 28498–28506
- Publication date
- 3 July 2026
- Language
- EN