This paper reports the synthesis of well-defined Au8 nanoclusters modified by single-atom sites via a co-electropolymerization strategy. The resulting catalysts, denoted as Poly-(Au8-DCP@M) (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), show significantly enhanced electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO activity (~18.07 fold compared to isolated Au8 clusters). This enhancement is attributed to the altered electronic structures of Au8 clusters due to the single-atom functionalization, which optimizes the adsorption of key intermediates and establishes a favorable reaction pathway. The immobilization of nanoclusters and single atoms on a cross-linked polymer network also improves stability by preventing agglomeration.

Yi-Man Wang, Fang-Qin Yan, Qian-You Wang, Chen-Xia Du, Li-Ya Wang, Bo Li, Shan Wang, Shuang-Quan Zang