Single-Atom-Based Catalysts for the Efficient Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate

Abstract As a low-toxic and environmentally benign organic chemical feedstock, dimethyl carbonate exhibits widespread applications in numerous fields. Accordingly, the development of highly efficient and stable catalysts constitutes a key research focus for dimethyl carbonate synthesis. Recently, single-atom-based catalysts have emerged as a frontier in heterogeneous catalysis witnessing rapid development. Despite the considerable potential of single-atom-based catalysts for dimethyl carbonate synthesis, comprehensive and systematic overviews of the relevant research progress remain insufficient. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the advances in single-atom-based catalysts for the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate via routes including transesterification, methanol oxidative carbonylation, methyl nitrite carbonylation, and electrosynthesis, while elaborating on their preparation strategies, catalytic performance, and reaction mechanisms. Meanwhile, this review proposes future directions for the development of single-atom-based catalysts used in dimethyl carbonate synthesis. This work is expected to provide guidance for designing high-performance single-atom-based catalysts toward efficient dimethyl carbonate synthesis.