Microwave-assisted pyrolysis synthesis: Atomic-scale regulation for green and efficient catalyst preparation

This perspective article systematically elaborates on the research progress of microwave-assisted pyrolysis synthesis (MAPS) for atomic-scale, precise regulation of catalysts, a green, energy-efficient fabrication strategy with great potential for high-performance catalyst synthesis despite inherent fundamental challenges. Focusing on core atomic-level scientific issues, it elaborates on microwave-matter interaction principles, atomic migration dynamics and interface coupling mechanisms, while underscoring the green advantages of MAPS technology in energy conservation, efficiency enhancement and environmental impact mitigation. It further analyzes key issues including metal precursor dissociation kinetics, atomic coordination modulation and metal-support interaction (MSI) dynamic instability, aiming to cut by-products and boost catalyst stability by optimized atomic synthesis pathways. By contrasting MAPS with traditional thermal synthesis, this work reveals the unique atomic diffusion-nucleation-anchoring competition in microwave fields and its low-temperature, rapid, low-carbon advantages. Finally, this study identified technical bottlenecks, outlined prospects for industrial-scale application, and laid the groundwork for sustainable catalyst production. Microwave-assisted pyrolysis shifts catalyst fabrication from macroscopic heating to atomic behavior control, optimizing atomic migration, nucleation and interfacial coupling for high efficiency. Addressing its dispersion and uniformity issues, this review expounds atomic kinetics and interfacial reconstruction to realize green catalyst synthesis.