Unlocking High-Throughput\nPlasma-Catalytic Low-Temperature\nOxidation of <i>n</i>‑Hexane over Single-Atom Ag<sub>1</sub>/MnO<sub>2</sub> Catalysts

The total oxidation of <i>n</i>-hexane, a hazardous\nvolatile\norganic compound (VOC) emitted by the pharmaceutical industry, presents\na significant environmental challenge due to limited catalyst activity\nat low temperatures and poor stability at high temperatures. Here,\nwe present a novel approach that overcomes these limitations by employing\nsingle-atom Ag<sub>1</sub>/MnO<sub>2</sub> catalysts coupled with\nnonthermal plasma (NTP). This strategy achieves exceptional performance\nin <i>n</i>-hexane oxidation at low temperatures, demonstrating\n96.3% <i>n</i>-hexane removal and an energy yield of 74.1\ng kW h<sup>–1</sup> with negligible byproduct formation (O<sub>3</sub> < 5 ppm, NO<sub><i>x</i></sub> < 20 ppm).\nIn situ characterization of the plasma-catalytic system coupled with\ntheoretical calculations revealed a synergistic mechanism for <i>n</i>-hexane oxidation. Reactive species generated by the NTP\ninitiate the breakdown of <i>n</i>-hexane into smaller fragments.\nThese fragments are then preferentially adsorbed onto the atomic Ag\nsites due to their favorable energetics, facilitating their subsequent\noxidation. The incorporation of single Ag atoms not only enhances\nthe selective adsorption of these NTP-generated intermediates but\nalso accelerates the reaction kinetics. This work demonstrates the\npotential of single-atom catalysts coupled with NTP for efficient\nand environmentally friendly removal of VOCs at low temperatures.\nThis approach offers a promising strategy for mitigating industrial\nair pollution and achieving cleaner air quality.