Tailoring the Electronic Metal-Support Interactions in Supported Atomically Dispersed Gold Catalysts for Efficient Fenton-like Reaction

The atomically dispersed metal is expected as one of the most promising Fenton-like catalysts for the degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants (ROPs) by the strong electronic metal-support interactions (EMSIs). Here, we develop an atomically dispersed metal-atom alloy made by guest Au atoms substitute host V atoms in the two-dimensional VO2(B) nanobelt support (Au/VO2) to activate Fenton-like oxidation for elimination of ROPs. The 2D nanobelt structure enlarges the exposure of atomically Au thus increasing the number of active sites to absorb more S2O82- ions. And the EMSIs regulate the charge density in Au atoms to present positive charge Au+, lowering the energy barrier of S2O82- decomposition to produce SO4.-. The Au/VO2 catalyst possesses excellent durable and reliable characteristics and exhibits record-breaking efficiency with TOF as high as 21.42 min(-1), 16.19 min(-1), and 80.89 min(-1) for rhodamine, phenol, and bisphenol A degradation, respectively.

Automated summary

The development of a catalyst with an atomically dispersed metal-atom alloy structure has significantly improved the degradation efficiency of recalcitrant organic pollutants. This catalyst exhibits excellent durability and reliability, achieving significant degradation rates for rhodamine, phenol, and bisphenol A.