Plasma-Driven Single-Atom Catalysis: From Synthesis to Catalytic Reactions

Abstract

The integration of nonthermal plasma (NTP) with single-atom catalysis has recently emerged as a highly promising yet largely unexplored frontier in heterogeneous catalysis. NTP generates highly nonequilibrium reaction environments rich in energetic electrons, radicals, and excited species, while single-atom catalysts (SACs) provide atomically precise active sites with tunable electronic structures and maximized metal utilization. The convergence of these two fields enables unconventional reaction pathways and catalytic behaviors that are not readily accessible under conventional thermal conditions. However, research in this area remains at an early stage, and a systematic understanding of plasma-driven single-atom catalysis (PSAC) is still lacking. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of PSAC, with a particular focus on both plasma-assisted synthesis of SACs and plasma-driven catalytic reactions over isolated metal sites. We summarize recent advances in plasma-enabled atom dispersion, defect engineering, and stabilization strategies and discuss how plasma excitation fundamentally alters reaction mechanisms. Through critical analysis of current achievements and remaining challenges, this Review highlights key opportunities for future research and provides a conceptual framework for the rational design of PSAC systems. We anticipate that the insights presented herein will stimulate further exploration of PSAC synergy and accelerate the development of next-generation catalytic technologies for sustainable fuel and chemical production.