image: This study present a novel strategy for synthesizing a uniformly dispersed cobalt single-atom (CoSA) catalyst with a well-defined Co-N4 coordination structure through a thermal transformation process using CoPc as the precursor and phosphate functionalized rGO as the support material (Co@rGO-P). Additionally, Co@rGO-P was utilized to construct heterojunctions with PTA nanosheets through an in-situ growth method, resulting in the highly efficient photocatalyst Co@rGO-P/PTA for non-sacrificial H2O2 production in pure water.
Credit: Chinese Journal of Catalysis
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is ranked among the top 100 most important chemicals globally. Currently, the anthraquinone oxidation method is the primary method for industrial H2O2 production, yet it faces several major issues, including complex synthesis, high energy consumption. As a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative, the artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 from H2O and O2 using semiconductor photocatalysts driven by renewable solar energy has attracted significant attention. A key process in this approach is the two–electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e- ORR). However, most photocatalysts face limitations, such as severe carrier recombination, and few catalytic sites, which result in low H2O2 yields. Therefore, it is of urgent importance to develop efficiently photocatalytic materials for H2O2 production.
Perylenetetracarboxylic acid (PTA) nanosheet has been recognized as a promising photocatalyst for visible-light-driven H2O2. However, the poor charge separation ability and insufficient catalytic sites of PTA nanosheet still limit its practical application in the production of H2O2. To enhance charge separation efficiency in photocatalytic systems, the integration of graphene-based materials has proven a widely adopted and effective strategy. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO), a 2D carbon material with a π-conjugated structure and superior electron transport capabilities, has been extensively utilized as both a support material and an electron transfer mediator.
To further enhance photocatalytic activity, the incorporation of single-atom metals as reactive sites is crucial. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) offer highly dispersed active centers, maximizing atomic utilization while enabling precise modulation of reaction pathways, thereby improving catalytic efficiency. Recent studies have highlighted metal phthalocyanine (MPc) as promising precursors for SACs due to their well-defined M-N4 coordination structures. The macrocyclic conjugated framework of MPc effectively prevents metal aggregation during high-temperature calcination, offering a viable strategy for the precise synthesis of SACs with controlled coordination environments.
The results were published in Chinese Journal of Catalysis (DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2067(25)64744-9)
About the Journal
Chinese Journal of Catalysis is co-sponsored by Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Chemical Society, and it is currently published by Elsevier group. This monthly journal publishes in English timely contributions of original and rigorously reviewed manuscripts covering all areas of catalysis. The journal publishes Reviews, Accounts, Communications, Articles, Highlights, Perspectives, and Viewpoints of highly scientific values that help understanding and defining of new concepts in both fundamental issues and practical applications of catalysis. Chinese Journal of Catalysis ranks among the top one journals in Applied Chemistry with a current SCI impact factor of 17.7. The Editors-in-Chief are Profs. Can Li and Tao Zhang.
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Journal
Chinese Journal of Catalysis
Article Title
Cobalt single atom-phosphate functionalized reduced graphene oxide/perylenetetracarboxylic acid nanosheet heterojunctions for efficiently photocatalytic H2O2 production
Article Publication Date
6-Aug-2025