Recent Progress of Nanoscale Metal Particle Modified Single‐Atom Photocatalysts Applied in Energy Conversion and Environmental Protection

In recent years, nanoparticle catalysts and single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have shown substantial progress in catalytic processes relevant to energy conversion and environmental remediation. However, their catalytic pathways and benefits each demonstrate unique emphases. Integrating nanoscale metallic nanoparticles (NMPs) into single‐atom catalysts (NMP‐SACs) has demonstrated a significant approach for improving catalytic efficiency. This study first elucidates the core principles of photocatalytic processes, then elucidates the mechanisms enabling the coexistence of atoms and nanoparticles, analyzes the effects of structural classification and dynamic transformation on coexistence, and subsequently systematically explores the mechanistic role of metal nanoparticle modification in optimizing the activity and stability of SACs. Subsequently, the research describes the synthesis methods and characterization techniques for NMP‐SACs. Additionally, it consolidates the applications of these catalysts within photocatalytic processes, encompassing photocatalytic CO 2 reduction, hydrogen evolution, pollutant degradation, and nitrogen fixation. Finally, it concludes with a review of NMP‐SAC photocatalysts' research and applications in photocatalysis and outlines future development prospects.