Magnesium single-atom catalysts with superbasicity

Magnesium-related solid bases have long been considered catalysts with weak or medium basicity. Here we report the fabrication of Mg single-atom superbasicity for first time. A sublimation-migration-anchoring strategy is employed, in which net sublimated, transported by Ar, and trapped defective graphene (producing Mg1/G). Simulated experimental results demonstrate that single atoms are anchored on tetra-coordination, cooperating C give superbasicity, differs from conventional alkali/alkaline earth metal oxides basicity originating O atoms. This new base highly active synthesis dimethyl carbonate through transesterification ethylene methanol, usually catalyzed strong bases. The turnover frequency value reaches 99.6 h−1 Mg1/G, much higher than traditional Mg-related counterparts (1.0–5.6 h−1) even superior to typical Na K-related superbases (29.8–36.2 under similar conditions.