Overview
- An international team from OIST, CNR-ISM, Empa and the University of Rome Tor Vergata reported the platform in Nature Communications.
- The one-dimensional polymers feature periodic side extensions that create uniform, tunable coordination sites for selectively anchoring single atoms.
- Atomic-resolution scanning probe microscopy confirmed atom-by-atom placement and stability of isolated metal atoms above room temperature.
- Theoretical analysis found markedly stronger binding of gases such as CO, O2 and H2 compared with common structures, indicating potential for selective pathways including CO2 conversion.
- The researchers describe the design as adaptable to various metals and ligands, with catalytic performance tests and scalability studies identified as next steps.