Researchers from ETH Zurich have demonstrated that ¹⁹⁵Pt solid-state NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for characterizing the local coordination environments of platinum in single-atom catalysts (SACs). Combined with Monte Carlo simulations, this method enables molecular-level precision in analyzing structure and reactivity—paving the way for the rational design of next-generation catalysts.
With this new, easy-to-use method, manufacturing processes for single-atom catalysts can be specifically controlled in future so that all platinum atoms have defined, identical coordination environments. This is precisely where the research team sees its next major challenge.
Original publication:
Koppe J, Yakimov AV, Gioffrè D et al. Coordination environments of Pt single-atom catalysts from NMR signatures. Nature 642, 613–619 (2025); DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09068-x
