Single-atom catalysts in methane chemistry

The review integrates and systematizes literature data on the use of single-atom catalysts in methane chemistry, with the emphasis on the most recent results. The single-atom catalysts are heterogeneous catalysts of the latest generation in which single metal atoms supported on an inorganic material act as the active sites. The features of CH₄ activation on the surface of these catalysts are considered and compared with the behaviour of other known heterogeneous catalysts containing metal nanoclusters or active metal nanoparticles in relation to the direct oxidative and non-oxidative conversion of methane into various chemicals. The efficiency of application of single-atom catalysts of various compositions and types (supported single metal atoms, mono- and polymetallic monoatomic contacts, complex disperse compositions, etc.) is considered for reactions involving methane, including dry, steam and oxidative reforming, partial oxidation to methanol, oxidative carbonylation and carboxylation to acetic acid, non-oxidative and oxidative methane coupling to ethane/ethylene, methane dehydroaromatization, and methylation of benzene with methane. The new prospects opened up in methane chemistry by using single-atom catalysts are discussed.The bibliography includes 307 references.