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Phase-interface-anchored cadmium single-atom catalysts for efficient methanol steam reforming

Author

Listed:
  • Shunan Zhang

    (ShanghaiTech University)

  • Haozhi Zhou

    (ShanghaiTech University)

  • Zilong Shao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Baohuan Wei

    (Shanghai Institute of Clean Technology)

  • Zhen Hu

    (Shanghai Institute of Clean Technology)

  • Hao Liang

    (ShanghaiTech University)

  • Ruonan Zhang

    (ShanghaiTech University)

  • Xiaofang Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Hu Luo

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Lin Xia

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yuhan Sun

    (ShanghaiTech University
    Shanghai Institute of Clean Technology)

  • Hui Wang

    (ShanghaiTech University
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Employing interface engineering to design innovative single-atom catalysts (SACs) for effective methanol steam reforming (MSR) presents an attractive yet formidable challenge. Here, we report phase-interface confined Cd/P25 SACs, where Cd atoms are stably anchored at the phase interface between anatase (101) and rutile (110) facets. The Cd-O-Ti phase interface sites formed exhibit asymmetric geometric and electronic properties that enable 100% methanol conversion, a low CO concentration (~0.1 mol%) in the effluent gas, and sustained stability exceeding 150 h. The H2 production rate at these interface sites is approximately 15-fold and 8-fold higher than that of anatase and rutile surface sites, respectively. Enhancing the phase interface density through atmosphere pretreatment can further increase the H2 production rate by an additional 11%. Furthermore, these powder SACs can be 3D printed into kilogram-scale monolithic catalysts, advancing practical in-situ hydrogen generation applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Shunan Zhang & Haozhi Zhou & Zilong Shao & Baohuan Wei & Zhen Hu & Hao Liang & Ruonan Zhang & Xiaofang Liu & Hu Luo & Lin Xia & Yuhan Sun & Hui Wang, 2025. "Phase-interface-anchored cadmium single-atom catalysts for efficient methanol steam reforming," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63060-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63060-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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