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Bioinspired Coordination Engineering of Single-Atom Photocatalysts for Photoassisted H2O2 and Peroxymonosulfate Activation: Working States, Pathway Selectivity, and Pollutant Outcomes

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Bioinspired coordination engineering can couple photocarrier delivery to peroxide activation, but charge separation and disappearance of a parent pollutant do not identify the operative catalytic state or establish detoxification. This Review examines photoassisted H2O2 and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation at single-atom sites through an evidence chain linking light-dependent charge occupation, dynamic coordination, intermediate identity, and carbon and toxicity outcomes. A coordination motif is termed bioinspired only when an enzyme-analogous function—first-shell redox control, distal proton transfer, regulated molecular access, or coupled charge delivery—is identified and subjected to a discriminating test. Direct light/peroxide/substrate studies are distinguished from dark catalysis and peroxide production studies. Peroxydisulfate (PDS) and peracetic acid (PAA) are considered mechanistic boundary cases: principles of site accessibility and evidence quality may transfer, whereas specific intermediates, rate laws, and oxygen sources require independent validation. The discussion evaluates spectroscopic and kinetic tests that separate diffusing radicals, singlet oxygen, bound metal–oxygen states, and interfacial electron transfer. It further specifies how photon flux, oxidant consumption, competitive water matrices, elemental release, carbon balance, and effect-based bioassays should be reported before performance or safety is inferred. The outcome is a testable framework for relating the photo-populated working site to treatment-relevant selectivity.
Source: Catalysts
DOI: 10.3390/catal16100889
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,654
OpenAlex ID: W7221194671
FWCI:
Cites: 104
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Related to: 10