Supported single Pt₁/Au₁ atoms for methanol steam reforming

The single Pt₁ and Au₁ atoms stabilized by lattice oxygen on ZnO{1010} surface for methanol steam reforming is reported. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the catalysis of the single precious metal atoms together with coordinated lattice oxygen stems from its stronger binding toward the intermediates, lowering reaction barriers, changing on the reaction pathway, enhancing greatly the activity. The measured turnover frequency of single Pt₁ sites was more than 1000 times higher than the pristine ZnO. The results provide valuable insights for the catalysis of the atomically dispersed precious metals on oxide supports.