Constructing asymmetrically coordinated transition metal single atoms with high loadings for ammonia electrosynthesis (opens in new tab)

High-density, asymmetrically coordinated transition metal single atoms (TMSAs) are promising for high-performance electrochemical applications. Here we introduce a ‘metal–organic gel-directed pyrolysis’ strategy that enables gram-scale synthesis of Cu single atoms in N and P co-doped carbon (CuN3O–P/NPC) at a high mass loading of 30.5 wt%. This approach is generalizable to other TMSAs (Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) with similarly high loading and asymmetric coordination. As an electrocatalyst for the nitra...