Hydrogen generation promoted by single-atom-based thermochemical catalysts

Journal article : Review

Supplying energy in a clean and affordable manner, without damaging the environment, is one of the most pressing problems society now faces. Hydrogen can facilitate a low-carbon or net-zero emissions future; however, producing it on demand and in large quantities from thermodynamically stable gaseous-state, liquid-state and solid-state sources presents challenges, both environmentally and economically. Numerous catalytic routes have been proposed to promote H2 production efficiently, and considerable improvements have been achieved by harnessing atomic-level catalysts. This Review presents an account of the advancements achieved for current and potential future H2-generation technologies by incorporating single-atom-based catalyst materials. The reactions considered herein include a wide range of established and advanced reforming, partial-oxidation and direct dehydrogenation of various forms of hydrogen-containing substances. The relevant fundamental catalytic reaction mechanisms along with maximum-achievable H2 capacities, high-performing catalyst materials and structure–activity insights are discussed. Further perspectives on the different processes are provided to include CO2 emissions, techno-economics, environmental impact, low-carbon and waste-based production, concomitant CO2 capture, and COx elimination and H2 purification, along with cost and scalability factors of the catalysts.

Authors: Gadipelli, S; Guo, J; Li, J; Akbari, H; Howard, CA

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Springer Nature
• Journal: Nature Reviews Chemistry
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 538–557
• Place of publication: England
• Publication date: 2026-06-19
• Acceptance date: 2026-05-15
• DOI: 10.1038/s41570-026-00838-3
• EISSN: 2397-3358
• Pmid: 42321394
• Language: English
• Keywords: hydrogen generation; cracking; dehydrogenation; reforming; catalysis; single-atom catalysts
• Subtype: Review