Recent Advance of Single-Atom Metal@Support Catalysts and Their Applications in Artificial Electrocatalytic N₂ Reduction Reaction

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) is the fundamental solution to the high pollution and emissions associated with the industrial synthesis of ammonia (NH₃). However, nowadays ENRR still faces some great challenges, such as low NH₃ yield rates and low Faradaic efficiency (FE), etc. In this context, single-atom catalysts (SACs) with high catalytic activity and selectivity have emerged as shining stars in ENRR. Adjusting the support of SAC to leverage strong metal-support interactions can address the activity limitations of the SAC itself and significantly enhance the activity of ENRR. Therefore, the review covers a range of topics including characterization techniques of single atoms, the mechanism of ENRR, in situ techniques in ENRR, synthesis methods of SACs, design principles of SACs in ENRR, and the application of SACs loaded with different supports in ENRR. Finally, the review offers a prospective outlook on the application of SACs in ENRR.