Single-Atom Photocatalysis

Dear Colleagues,

Single-atom photocatalysis has rapidly emerged as a transformative frontier in catalysis and materials science. By isolating catalytically active metal atoms on tailored supports, single-atom photocatalysts (SAPCs) offer unparalleled advantages—maximum atom utilization efficiency, unique electronic structures, and highly tunable active sites. These features enable exceptional performance in solar energy conversion, environmental remediation, hydrogen production, carbon dioxide reduction, and a broad range of photochemical transformations.

This Special Issue on "Single-Atom Photocatalysis" focuses on the rapidly growing field of photocatalysts that feature isolated metal atoms as active sites. Single-atom photocatalysts offer unique advantages—including maximum atom efficiency, tunable electronic structures, and exceptional catalytic performance—which make them highly promising for solar energy conversion, hydrogen production, CO₂ reduction, and environmental remediation. 

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for recent advances in the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of single-atom photocatalysts. We welcome contributions that deepen the understanding of structure–activity relationships, explore emerging synthesis strategies, or demonstrate innovative applications that highlight the potential of SAPCs in sustainable energy and environmental technologies.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Novel strategies for the synthesis and stabilization of single-atom photocatalysts.
• Advanced characterization techniques for atomic-scale active sites.
• Photocatalytic mechanisms and theoretical modeling.
• Single-atom catalysts for hydrogen evolution, CO₂ reduction, nitrogen fixation, and organic transformations.
• Support engineering and electronic structure modulation.
• Photocatalytic environmental remediation using SAPCs.
• Scalability, durability, and practical implementation challenges.
• Hybrid or multifunctional photocatalyst systems integrating single atoms.

This Special Issue seeks to compile cutting-edge research that will advance fundamental understanding and enable the practical development of next-generation photocatalytic systems. Contributions covering new synthesis methods, advanced characterization techniques, mechanistic insights, theoretical modeling, and innovative applications are welcome. By highlighting interdisciplinary approaches across chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, and energy research, we aim to accelerate progress toward efficient and sustainable photocatalytic technologies.

Dr. Huiyao Wang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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