In situ modulating coordination fields of single-atom cobalt catalyst for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction.

ABSTRACT: Single-atom catalysts, especially those with metal-N₄ moieties, hold great promise for facilitating the oxygen reduction reaction. However, the symmetrical distribution of electrons within the metal-N₄ moiety results in unsatisfactory adsorption strength of intermediates, thereby limiting their performance improvements. Herein, we present atomically coordination-regulated Co single-atom catalysts that comprise a symmetry-broken Cl-Co-N₄ moiety, which serves to break the symmetrical electron distribution. In situ characterizations reveal the dynamic evolution of the symmetry-broken Cl-Co-N₄ moiety into a coordination-reduced Cl-Co-N₂ structure, effectively optimizing the 3d electron filling of Co sites toward a reduced d-band electron o

SUBMITTER: Liu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10891135 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature