Multilayer Self-Assemblies for Fabricating Graphene-Supported Single-Atomic Metal via Microwave-Assisted Emulsion Micelle

Inspired by molecular self-assemblies in nature, this article reports a versatile strategy for confined encapsulation of single-atomic metal into high-quality rGO nanosheets by the microwave-assisted emulsion micelle method. Multilayer self-assembly of organometallics-surfactants micelles into the interlayer of nanosheets can not only promote microwave exfoliation and reduction of GO but also precisely control loading and distribution of single-metal atoms. With this synthetic strategy, the simultaneous trinity of exfoliation, reduction, and composition are achieved for 1 min. Experimental results and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that graphene-supported FeN4O2 sites exhibit optimal binding energy toward superior selective adsorption (adsorption amount of 1975.6 mg g(-1) with separation efficiency of 97.6%) and electrocatalytic oxidation (TOFs as high as 1.31 min(-1)). This work provides a simple and efficient avenue for the large-scale preparation of single-atomic metal composites in environmental and energy fields.

Automated summary

This article reports a strategy for confined encapsulation of single-atomic metal into high-quality rGO nanosheets by the microwave-assisted emulsion micelle method. The strategy allows for precise control of loading and distribution of single-metal atoms and achieves simultaneous trinity of exfoliation, reduction, and composition. The graphene-supported FeN4O2 sites show optimal binding energy for superior selective adsorption and electrocatalytic oxidation.