Call for Papers: Precision Chemistry for Single-Atom Catalysis

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are redefining the frontiers of catalysis, offering unprecedented opportunities for sustainable innovation through atomic-level precision engineering. By anchoring isolated atoms onto tailored support structures, SACs exhibit uniquely tunable electronic and geometric configurations that maximize elemental utilization and enable precise control over chemical reaction pathways. These distinct characteristics are transforming a wide range of catalytic processes—including thermo-, electro-, photo-, and bio-catalysis—by enhancing activity, selectivity, and energy efficiency while minimizing waste.

This Special Issue of Precision Chemistry invites cutting-edge research on the precise synthesis, advanced characterization, mechanistic understanding and transformative application of SACs. We welcome contributions that explore novel synthetic strategies, in situ and operando techniques, theoretical modeling, and applications in energy, environment, and chemical manufacturing. Particular emphasis will be placed on recent advancements that leverage artificial intelligence and data-driven methods to design and optimize single-atom catalysts.

By featuring interdisciplinary breakthroughs, this focused issue aims to highlight the critical role of single-atom catalysis in enabling a circular, low-carbon economy. We look forward to your submissions that push the boundaries of precision chemistry at the atomic scale.

We invite contributions that focus on, but are not limited to:

• Advanced synthesis strategies for single-atom catalysts
• Thermo-, electro-, photo-, and bio-catalytic applications of single-atom catalysts
• Mechanistic insights into single-atom catalysis
• AI-driven design, prediction, and characterization of single-atom catalysts

Organizing Editors

Prof. Dingsheng Wang, Guest Editor
Tsinghua University, China

Prof. Yuen Wu, Guest Editor
University of Science and Technology of China, China

Prof. Xiangfeng Duan, Executive Editor, Precision Chemistry
University of California, Los Angeles, United States

Submission Information

Manuscripts accepted for inclusion in this Special Issue will be highlighted as a significant contribution to this expanding field. If accepted, publications will go online as soon as possible with a DOI, and will be published in one of the next available issues. Publications on this topic will be assembled into a Special Issue and widely promoted.

Submissions are welcome through December 31, 2025. All articles will be peer reviewed prior to acceptance to ensure they fit the scope of the Special Issue and meet the high scientific publishing standards of Precision Chemistry. The peer review process for all papers will be managed by the journal editors to ensure rigor is maintained.

Precision Chemistry is an open access journal. The Article Publishing Charges are waived for the submissions before December 31, 2025.

How to Submit

• Log in to the ACS Publishing Center.
• Select the "Journals" tab.
• Choose Precision Chemistry.
• Click "Submit."
• Select your manuscript type, and, under "Special Issue Selection," choose “Precision Chemistry for Single-Atom Catalysis."

Please see our Author Guidelines for more information on submission requirements. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2025.