Superior performance of formaldehyde complete oxidation at ambient temperature over Co single-atom catalysts

Cost-effective catalysts for the complete oxidation of formaldehyde (HCHO) are essential for indoor air purification and human health. Here, we report a precursor atomization strategy to synthesize cobalt single-atom catalysts (Co SACs), and the Co SACs show complete conversion of 50 ppm HCHO at room temperature and the catalysts are stable during at least 120 h. The HCHO oxidation activity of Co SACs outperforms all the reported non-noble catalysts at room temperature. DFT calculations and isotope experiments reveal the mechanism of HCHO removal over Co SACs that the decomposition of formate intermediates is the kinetically rate-determining step. The excellent formate intermediate decomposition ability of Co SACs is the key factor in achieving excellent HCHO oxidation performance. Considering the facile and versatile SACs synthesis approach, remarkable performance in HCHO abatement, as well as cheap cost, it is believed that this study may open a window for Co SACs industrial application. [Display omitted] •Simple and versatile method for preparing single-atom catalysts was developed.•The Co SACs showed ultrahigh activity in HCHO oxidation at room temperature.•The mechanism of HCHO oxidation on Co1/N-C SACs was clarified.