Emerging Xene-based Single-Atom Catalysts: Theory, Synthesis and Catalytic Applications.

In recent years, the emergence of novel two-dimensional monoelemental materials (Xenes), e.g., graphdiyne, borophene, phosphorene, antimonene, bismuthene, and stanene, has exhibited unprecedented potentials for their versatile applications as well as addressing new discoveries in fundamental science. Owing to their unique physicochemical, optical and electronic properties, emerging Xenes have been regarded as promising candidates in the community of single-atom catalysts (SACs) as single-atom active sites or support matrixes, for significant improvement in intrinsic activity and selectivity. In order to comprehensively understand the relationships between structure and property of Xene-based SACs, this review represents a comprehensive summary from theoretical predictions to experimental investigations. Firstly, theoretical calculations regarding both the anchoring of Xene-based single-atom active sites on versatile support matrixes and doping/substituting heteroatoms at Xene-based support matrixes are briefly summarized. Secondly, controlled synthesis and precise characterization are presented for Xene-based SACs. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities for the development of Xene-based SACs are highlighted. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.