Binbin Jia

Dual‐metal‐atom catalysts (DMACs), evolving from single‐atom architectures, overcome constraints of linear scaling relationships in multistep electrocatalytic reactions through synergistic interactions within precisely configured bimetallic pairs. These systems enable fine‐tuned modulation of reaction intermediate adsorption energetics via d‐orbital coupling and intermetallic electron hybridization, while maintaining high metal‐loading active site densities. Flexible coordination microenvironments further optimize orbital interactions, driving exceptional activity/selectivity in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction and biomass valorization. Classification based on metal identity, atomic spacing, and ligand coordination is discussed alongside advanced syntheses (atomic layer deposition, metal–organic framework‐pyrolytic confinement, vacancy‐trapping). Active site characterization leverages aberration‐corrected microscopy, operando spectroscopy, and synchrotron techniques. DMACs demonstrate superior performance in reduction‐oxidation (redox) reaction electrocatalysis, critical for sustainable energy conversion and environmental remediation. Despite challenges in atomic‐precision synthesis and mechanistic elucidation, their unique dual‐site synergism positions DMACs as a transformative catalytic platform for global energy transitions.

The diagram demonstrates the benefits of porous carbon-based electrocatalysts: high specific surface area, excellent conductivity and outstanding stability, achievable via hard-template, soft-template, or template-free synthesis.

Amorphous materials with a high number of unsaturated coordinated dangling bonds exhibits macroscopic homogeneity and isotropy, making it easily modifiable to improve the catalytic properties. At present, several feasible modification strategies for amorphous materials have been proposed and applied to multiple catalytic fields. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent research advancements in the modification of amorphous materials for catalysis. First, the general strategies for modifying amorphous materials are summarized. Subsequently, the potential applications of modified amorphous materials in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis are highlighted. Additionally, the positive effects of various modification tools on the catalytic properties of amorphous materials are elucidated. Finally, a summary of the challenges and offer a critical perspective on the further development of modified amorphous materials are presented. The primary goal of this review is to offer a systematic understanding of how to enhance catalytic performance and to stimulate further research on amorphous catalysts in the future.

Advancing supercapacitor system performance hinges on the innovation of novel electrode materials seamlessly integrated within distinct architectures. Herein, we introduce a direct approach for crafting nanorod arrays featuring crystalline/amorphous CuO/MnO_2−x. This reconfigured heterostructure results in an elevated content of electrochemically active MnO₂. The nanorod arrays serve as efficient capacitive anodes and are easily prepared via low-potential electrochemical activation. The resulting structure spontaneously forms a p–n heterojunction, developing a built-in electric field that dramatically facilitates the charge transport process. The intrinsic electric field, in conjunction with the crystalline/amorphous architecture, enables a large capacitance of 1.0 F·cm⁻² at 1.0 mA·cm⁻², an ultrahigh rate capability of approximately 85.4% at 15 mA·cm⁻², and stable cycling performance with 92.4% retention after 10,000 cycles. Theoretical calculations reveal that the presence of heterojunctions allows for the optimization of the electronic structure of this composite, leading to improved conductivity and optimized OH⁻ adsorption energy. This work provides new insights into the rational design of heterogeneous nanostructures, which hold great potential in energy storage applications.

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) reveal great potential for application in catalysis due to their fully exposed active sites. In general, single atoms (SAs) and the coordination substrates need to have strong interactions or charge transfer to ensure the atomic dispersion, which requires the selection of a suitable substrate to stabilize the target atoms. Recent studies have demonstrated that amorphous materials with abundant defects and coordinatively unsaturated sites can be used as substrates for more efficient capturing SAs, further enhancing the catalytic performance. In this review, we discuss recent research progress of SAs loaded on amorphous substrates for enhanced catalytic activity. Firstly, we summarize the commonly used amorphous substrates for stabilizing SAs. Subsequently, we present several advanced applications of amorphous SACs in the field of catalysis, including electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. And then, we also clarify the synergistic mechanism between SAs and amorphous substrate on catalytic process. Finally, we summarize the challenges with our personal views and provide a critical outlook on how amorphous SACs continue to evolve.

Photocatalytic methane conversion to high value-added chemicals under mild conditions acts as a promising approach to utilize natural gas and renewable energy. Specifically, aerobic photocatalytic methane conversion that uses molecular oxygen as oxidant has attracted much attention because it is thermodynamic favorable and could generate various reactive oxygen species, resulting in many value-added products like methanol, formaldehyde, ethane, and ethylene. In this review, we classify the aerobic photocatalytic methane conversion into aerobic photocatalytic partial oxidation of methane (APPOM) and aerobic photocatalytic coupling of methane (APCM). We particularly focus on the fundamentals of oxygen activation and methane reaction modes in these conversions. Finally, we provide a brief summary for current challenges and future prospects towards aerobic photocatalytic methane conversion.