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Hauptverfasser: Lazar, Petr, Otyepka, Michal
Format: Preprint
Veröffentlicht: 2026
Schlagworte:
Online-Zugang:https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.25179
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author Lazar, Petr
Otyepka, Michal
author_facet Lazar, Petr
Otyepka, Michal
contents Single-atom catalysts (SACs), composed of isolated metal atoms dispersed on solid supports, represent the ultimate expression of atomic efficiency in catalysis. Their remarkable activity and selectivity arise from local coordination environments and adjustable oxidation states, yet precise determination of these features remains an enduring challenge. Among modern characterization techniques, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy stands out for its sensitivity to both electronic and geometric structure, though its interpretation is often constrained by empirical comparison with bulk references. Here we introduce a density functional theory (DFT) based computational spectroscopy framework for the quantitative interpretation of Cu K-edge XANES spectra. We then employ this framework to reveal the oxidation state, coordination geometry, and hydration environment of Cu single atoms supported on cyanographene, demonstrating direct correspondence between spectral signatures and atomic-scale structure. This methodology establishes a robust and transferable route for connecting XANES features with the underlying electronic and structural characteristics of SACs, thereby advancing the rational design of atomically precise catalysts.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2603_25179
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Decoding the Electronic and Structural Fingerprints of Single-Atom Catalysts via DFT-Assisted XANES Analysis
Lazar, Petr
Otyepka, Michal
Materials Science
Single-atom catalysts (SACs), composed of isolated metal atoms dispersed on solid supports, represent the ultimate expression of atomic efficiency in catalysis. Their remarkable activity and selectivity arise from local coordination environments and adjustable oxidation states, yet precise determination of these features remains an enduring challenge. Among modern characterization techniques, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy stands out for its sensitivity to both electronic and geometric structure, though its interpretation is often constrained by empirical comparison with bulk references. Here we introduce a density functional theory (DFT) based computational spectroscopy framework for the quantitative interpretation of Cu K-edge XANES spectra. We then employ this framework to reveal the oxidation state, coordination geometry, and hydration environment of Cu single atoms supported on cyanographene, demonstrating direct correspondence between spectral signatures and atomic-scale structure. This methodology establishes a robust and transferable route for connecting XANES features with the underlying electronic and structural characteristics of SACs, thereby advancing the rational design of atomically precise catalysts.
title Decoding the Electronic and Structural Fingerprints of Single-Atom Catalysts via DFT-Assisted XANES Analysis
topic Materials Science
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.25179