C₆₀-Supported Single Pt Atom for Selective CH₄ Activation

Supported single-atom catalysts (SACs) exhibit great potential for the selective activation of C–H bonds, enabling the direct conversion of methane (CH 4 ) into high value-added chemical products. Herein, benefiting from state-of-the-art mass spectrometry coupled with newly designed variable-temperature double ion trap reactors, we successfully immobilized a single Pt – atom on a unique zero-dimensional carbon support (C 60 ) and observed a significantly enhanced reactivity of C 60 Pt – toward CH 4 activation at room temperature compared to inert bare Pt – . The crucial role of the C 60 support in modifying the electronic state of the single metal site (Pt – → Pt 0 ) was highlighted as a key factor in enhancing orbital interactions with CH 4 . Furthermore, the electron-buffering capability of C 60 also facilitates selective CH 4 activation by cleaving only one C–H bond. This finding not only provides atomic-scale insights into supported SACs for CH 4 activation but also underscores the importance of considering the positive support effects of C 60 in designing related catalysts for direct CH 4 conversion.