Hu Young

Download Hi-Res ImageDownload to MS-PowerPointCite This:Chem. Mater. 2024, XXXX, XXX * Marco Califano Pollard Institute, School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K. Bragg Centre for Materials Research University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K. *Email: m.califano@leeds.ac.uk Cite this: Chem. Mater. 2024, XXXX, XXX .

Abstract Oxidation can deteriorate the properties of copper that are critical for its use, particularly in the semiconductor industry and electro-optics applications1,2,3,4,5,6,7. This has prompted numerous studies exploring copper oxidation and possible passivation strategies8. In situ observations have, for example, shown that oxidation involves stepped surfaces: Cu2O growth occurs on flat surfaces as a result of Cu adatoms detaching from steps and diffusing across terraces9,10,11.

Abstract Single-atom catalysts have recently attracted considerable attention because of their highly efficient metal utilization and unique properties. Finding a green, facile method to synthesize them is key to their widespread commercialization. Here we show that single-atom catalysts (including iron, cobalt, nickel and copper) can be prepared via a top-down abrasion method, in which the bulk metal is directly atomized onto different supports, such as carbon frameworks, oxides and nitrides.