Single Atom Catalyst Atomic-Level Cocatalyst Control

The patent applies local quality by creating single atom catalysts where each metal atom is individually positioned and controlled at specific sites on the support surface. This atomic-level precision in local composition allows exact control over the position and valence of cocatalysts, enabling tailored catalytic sites with optimized electronic structures for specific reactions, thereby simultaneously achieving high manufacturing precision and catalytic efficiency

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the oxidation state (valence) of single metal atoms and their local coordination environments on the support. By controlling parameters such as metal atom identity, oxidation state, and neighboring atoms during synthesis, the catalyst's electronic band structure and reactivity can be precisely tuned to optimize both selectivity and catalytic performance for different photocatalytic applications

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-designing and pre-synthesizing single atom catalysts with controlled metal atom distribution and valence states before catalytic application. The synthesis methods are developed in advance to achieve atomic-level precision, and characterization techniques are established beforehand to verify the atomic structure, thereby simplifying the overall process despite the inherent complexity of atomic-level control

The patent uses intermediary approaches by employing specific support materials and synthesis intermediates that facilitate controlled single atom formation. The support acts as an intermediary that stabilizes single metal atoms at specific sites, while intermediate synthesis steps (such as precursor deposition followed by controlled reduction) serve as mediators to achieve the desired atomic structure without requiring excessively complex direct synthesis methods