Recent developments in the use of single-atom catalysts for water splitting

Electrochemical water splitting is regarded as the most promising approach to produce hydrogen. However, sluggish electrochemical reactions occurring at anode and cathode, namely, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) hydrogen (HER), respectively, consume a tremendous amount of energy, seriously hampering its wide application. Recently, single-atom catalysts (SACs) have been proposed effectively enhance kinetics these two reactions. In this minireview, we focus on recent progress in SACs for OER HER applications. Three classes reviewed, i.e., alloy-based SACs, carbon-based supported other compounds. Different factors affecting activities are also highlighted, including inherent element property, coordination environment, geometric structure loading metal atoms. Finally, summarize current problems directions future development SACs.