New Horizon in stabilization of single atoms on metal-oxide supports for CO2 reduction

Electrochemical CO2 reduction is a promising route to convert CO2 into the value added chemicals, and to control the increasing accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere. The CO2 molecule is stable and chemically inert, so a highly efficient electrocatalyst is required for CO2 reduction. The single atoms with metal oxide support is a new frontier in CO2 reduction. The supported single atoms contain disperse isolated atoms with an appropriate support maximize the atom efficiency of metals for boosting the catalytic performance. In this review, we had discussed state-of-the-art research on the synthesis of single atoms supported on the metal oxide for boosting catalytic activity for CO2 reduction and special emphasis is placed on the influence of single atoms supported on metal oxide on the CO2 reduction. Furthermore, we had discussed the challenges, and opportunities for paving the development of single atoms with metal support and their application in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.