Single cobalt atoms with unconventional dynamic coordination mechanism for selective ammonia sensor.

ABSTRACT: Developing gas sensors that can simultaneously achieve high sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of a single-type gas remains a significant challenge. Herein we demonstrate cobalt (Co) single atoms with an unconventional dynamically changing coordination structure that could be used as NH₃-sensing material with superior sensitivity and selectivity. According to the steric effect of 2-methylimidazole (2MI) molecules and carbonyl groups on graphene, the Co single atom is evolved into a bidentate coordinated structure (Co-2MI-G). In-situ characterization and theoretical simulation reveal that the sensing mechanism of Co-2MI-G is the specific chemical adsorption between unsaturated coordinated Co single atoms and NH₃ molecules, causing a reversible switchi

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11837343 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature