Engineering a metal-organic framework derived Mn-N4-C x S y atomic interface for highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Simultaneously Engineering the First and Second Coordination Shells of Single Iron Catalysts for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction

The atomically dispersed Fe-N4 active site presents enormous potential for various renewable energy conversions. Despite its already remarkable catalytic performance, the local atomic microenvironment of each Fe atom can be regulated to further enhance its efficiency. Herein, a novel conceptual strategy that utilizes a simple salt-template polymerization method to simultaneously adjust the first coordination shell (Fe-N3S1) and second coordination shell (C-S-C, a structure similar to thiophene) of Fe-N4 isolated atoms is proposed. Theoretical studies suggest that this approach can redistribute charge density in the MN4 moiety, lowering the d-band center of the metal site. This weakens the binding of oxygenated intermediates, enhancing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity when compared to only implementing coordination shell regulation. Based on the above discovery, a single Fe atom electrocatalyst with the optimal Fe-N3S1-S active moiety incorporated in nitrogen, sulfur co-doped graphene (Fe-SAc/NSG) is designed and synthesized. The Fe-SAc/NSG catalyst exhibits excellent alkaline ORR activity, exceeding benchmark Pt/C and most Fe-SAc ORR electrocatalysts, as well as superior stability in Zn-air battery. This work aims to pave the way for creating highly active single metal atom catalysts through the localized regulation of their atomic structure.

Single-Atom Co─O4 Sites Embedded in a Defective-Rich Porous Carbon Layer for Efficient H2O2 Electrosynthesis

The production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via the two-electron electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (2e- ORR) is an essential alteration in the current anthraquinone-based method. Herein, a single-atom Co─O4 electrocatalyst is embedded in a defective and porous graphene-like carbon layer (Co─O4@PC). The Co─O4@PC electrocatalyst shows promising potential in H2O2 electrosynthesis via 2e- ORR, providing a high H2O2 selectivity of 98.8% at 0.6 V and a low onset potential of 0.73 V for generating H2O2. In situ surface-sensitive attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectra and density functional theory calculations reveal that the electronic and geometric modification of Co─O4 induced by defective carbon sites result in decreased d-band center of Co atoms, providing the optimum adsorption energies of OOH* intermediate. The H-cell and flow cell assembled using Co─O4@PC as the cathode present long-term stability and high efficiency for H2O2 production. Particularly, a high H2O2 production rate of 0.25 mol g-1 cat h-1 at 0.6 V can be obtained by the flow cell. The in situ-generated H2O2 can promote the degradation of rhodamine B and sterilize Staphylococcus aureus via the Fenton process. This work can pave the way for the efficient production of H2O2 by using Co─O4 single atom electrocatalyst and unveil the electrocatalytic mechanism.

Sulfur Modified Carbon-Based Single-Atom Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Reactions

Efficient and sustainable energy development is a powerful tool for addressing the energy and environmental crises. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have received high attention for their extremely high atom utilization efficiency and excellent catalytic activity, and have broad application prospects in energy development and chemical production. M-N4 is an active center model with clear catalytic activity, but its catalytic properties such as catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability need to be further improved. Adjustment of the coordination environment of the central metal by incorporating heteroatoms (e.g., sulfur) is an effective and feasible modification method. This paper describes the precise synthetic methods for introducing sulfur atoms into M-N4 and controlling whether they are directly coordinated with the central metal to form a specific coordination configuration, the application of sulfur-doped carbon-based single-atom catalysts in electrocatalytic reactions such as ORR, CO2RR, HER, OER, and other electrocatalytic reaction are systematically reviewed. Meanwhile, the effect of the tuning of the electronic structure and ligand configuration parameters of the active center due to doped sulfur atoms with the improvement of catalytic performance is introduced by combining different characterization and testing methods. Finally, several opinions on development of sulfur-doped carbon-based SACs are put forward.

Interfacial π-p Electron Coupling Prompts Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Activity in Acidic Electrolyte

The thermodynamically stable 2H-phase MoS2 is a brilliant material toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) owing to its excellent Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption. Nevertheless, the poor intrinsic properties of 2H-MoS2 limit its electrocatalytic performances toward HER. In this work, graphitic carbon nitride covalently bridging 2H-MoS2 (MoS2/GCN) is proposed to construct robust HER electrocatalysts. The strong π-p electron coupling between the delocalized π electrons of GCN and the localized p electrons of S atoms sufficiently expose active sites and accelerate the reaction kinetics. To be specific, MoS2/GCN exhibits remarkable HER activity (160 mV at 10 mA·cm-2) and long-term durability. Importantly, MoS2/GCN also provides great potential for industrial application. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations disclose that the π-p electron coupling at the MoS2/GCN interface regulates the electronic structure of S atoms, consequently providing enhanced HER performance. This work presents a feasible pathway to develop advanced electrocatalysts for energy conversions.

Electronic configuration regulation of single-atomic Mn sites mediated by Mo/Mn clusters for an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

Tuning the electron distribution of metal single-atom active sites via bimetallic clusters is an effective way to enhance their hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity, but remains a great challenge. A biochar-based electrocatalyst (BCMoMn800-2) with both MnN4 active sites and Mo2C/Mn7C3 clusters was synthesized using in situ enriched Mo/Mn biomass as a precursor to trigger the HER. Various characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculation results indicated that the presence of Mo2C/Mn7C3 clusters in BCMoMn800-2 effectively induced the redistribution of charges at MnN4 sites, reducing the energy of H* activation during the HER. In 0.5 M H2SO4, the overpotential was 27.4 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and the Tafel slope was 31 mV dec-1, and its electrocatalytic performance was close to that of Pt/C. The electrocatalyst also exhibited excellent electrocatalytic stability and durability. This work might provide a new strategy for solid waste recycling and constructing efficient HER electrocatalysts.

Atomic Distance Engineering in Metal Catalysts to Regulate Catalytic Performance

It is very important to understand the structure-performance relationship of metal catalysts by adjusting the microstructure of catalysts at the atomic scale. The atomic distance has an essential influence on the composition of the environment of active metal atom, which is a key factor for the design of targeted catalysts with desired function. In this review, we discuss and summarize strategies for changing the atomic distance from three aspects and relate their effects on the reactivity of catalysts. First, the effects of regulating bond length between metal and coordination atom at one single-atom site on the catalytic performance are introduced. The bond lengths are affected by the strain effect of the support and high-shell doping and can evolve during the reaction. Next, the influence of the distance between single-atom sites on the catalytic performance is discussed. Due to the space matching of adsorption and electron transport, the catalytic performance can be adjusted with the shortening of site distance. In addition, the effect of the arrangement spacing of the surface metal active atoms on the catalytic performance of metal nanocatalysts is studied. Finally, a comprehensive summary and outlook of the relationship between atomic distance and catalytic performance is given.

Potential Dominates Structural Recombination of Single Atom Mn Sites for Promoting Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Single atom sites (SAS) often undergo structural recombination in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), while the effect of valence state and reconstruction on active centers needs to be investigated thoroughly. Herein, the Mn-SAS catalyst with uniform and precise Mn-N4 configuration is rationally designed. We utilize operando synchrotron radiation to track the dynamic evolution of active centers during ORR. Under the applied potential, the structural evolution of Mn-N4 into Mn-N3 C and further into Mn-N2 C2 configurations is clarified. Simultaneously, the valence states of Mn are increased from +3.0 to +3.8 and then decreased to +3.2. When the potential is removed, the catalyst returned to its initial Mn+3.0 -N4 configuration. Such successive evolutions optimize the electronic and geometric structures of active centers as evidenced by theory calculations. The evolved Mn+3.8 -N3 C and Mn+3.2 -N2 C2 configurations respectively adjust the O2 adsorption and reduce the energy barrier of rate-determining step. Thus, it can achieve an onset potential of 0.99 V, superior stability over 10,000 cycles, and a high turnover frequency of 1.59 s-1 at 0.85 VRHE. Our present work provides new insights into the construction of well-defined SAS catalysts by regulating the valence states and configurations of active centers.

In situ Growth of Zeolite Imidazole Frameworks (ZIF-67) on Carbon Cloth for the Application of Oxygen Reduction Reactions and Microbial Fuel Cells

Developing high surface area catalysts is an effective strategy to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in the application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). This can be achieved by developing a catalyst based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) because they offer a porous active site for ORR. In this work, a novel in situ growth of 2D shell nanowires of ZIF-67 as a template for N-doped carbon (Co/NC) via a carbonization route was developed to enhance the ORR performance. The effects of different reaction times and different annealing temperatures were studied for a better ORR activity. The growth of the MOF template on the carbon cloth was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared. The Co/NC-800 exhibited an enhancement in the ORR activity as evidenced by an onset potential and half-wave potential of 0.0 vs V Ag/AgCl and -0.1 vs V Ag/AgCl, respectively, with a limited current density exceeding the commercial Pt/C. Operating Co/NC-800 on MFC revealed a maximum power density of 30 ± 2.5 mW/m2, a maximum current density of 180 ± 2.5 mA/m2.

Electrocatalytic nitrate-to-ammonia conversion on CoO/CuO nanoarrays using Zn-nitrate batteries

Zn-NO3- batteries can generate electricity while producing NH3 in an environmentally friendly manner, making them a very promising device. However, the conversion of NO3- to NH3 involves a proton-assisted 8-electron (8e-) transfer process with a high kinetic barrier, requiring high-performance catalysts to realize the potential applications of this technology. Herein, we propose a heterostructured CoO/CuO nanoarray electrocatalyst prepared on a copper foam (CoO/CuO-NA/CF) that can electrocatalytically and efficiently convert NO3- to NH3 at low potential and achieves a maximum NH3 yield of 296.9 μmol h-1 cm-2 and the Faraday efficiency (FE) of 92.9% at the -0.2 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Impressively, Zn-NO3- battery based on the monolithic CoO/CuO-NA/CF electrode delivers a high NH3 yield of 60.3 μmol h-1 cm-2, FENH3 of 82.0%, and a power density of 4.3 mW cm-2. This study provides a paradigm for heterostructured catalyst preparation for the energy-efficient production of NH3 and simultaneously generating electrical energy.

Tuning the Coordination Environment of Carbon-Based Single-Atom Catalysts via Doping with Multiple Heteroatoms and Their Applications in Electrocatalysis

Carbon-based single-atom catalysts (SACs) are considered to be a perfect platform for studying the structure-activity relationship of different reactions due to the adjustability of their coordination environment. Multi-heteroatom doping has been demonstrated as an effective strategy for tuning the coordination environment of carbon-based SACs and enhancing catalytic performance in electrochemical reactions. Herein, recently developed strategies for multi-heteroatom doping, focusing on the regulation of single-atom active sites by heteroatoms in different coordination shells, are summarized. In addition, the correlation between the coordination environment and the catalytic activity of carbon-based SACs are investigated through representative experiments and theoretical calculations for various electrochemical reactions. Finally, concerning certain shortcomings of the current strategies of doping multi-heteroatoms, some suggestions are put forward to promote the development of carbon-based SACs in the field of electrocatalysis.

Electrocatalysis Mechanism and Structure-Activity Relationship of Atomically Dispersed Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Reactions

Atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts (M-N-C) have been widely used in the field of energy conversion, which has already attracted a huge amount of attention. Due to their unsaturated d-band electronic structure of the center atoms, M-N-C catalysts can be applied in different electrocatalytic reactions by adjusting their own microscopic electronic structures to achieve the optimization of the structure-activity relationship. Consequently, it is of great significance for the revelation of electrocatalytic mechanism and structure-activity relationship of M-N-C catalysts. Thus, this review first introduces the relative research methods, including in situ/operando characterization techniques and theoretical calculation methods. Furthermore, clarifying the electrocatalytic mechanism and structure-activity relationship of M-N-C catalysts in different electrochemical energy conversion reactions is focused. Moreover, the future research directions are pointed out based on the discussion. This review will provide good guidance to systematically study the catalytic mechanism of single-atom catalysts and reasonably design the single-atom catalysts.

Transformation mechanism of high-valence metal sites for the optimization of Co- and Ni-based OER catalysts in an alkaline environment: recent progress and perspectives

As an important semi-reaction process in electrocatalysis, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is closely associated with electrochemical hydrogen production, CO₂ electroreduction, electrochemical ammonia synthesis and other reactions, which provide electrons and protons for the related applications. Considering their fundamental mechanism, metastable high-valence metal sites have been identified as real, efficient OER catalytic sites from the recent observation by in situ characterization technology. Herein, we review the transformation mechanism of high-valence metal sites in the OER process, particularly transition metal materials (Co- and Ni-based). In particular, research progress in the transformation process and role of high-valence metal sites to optimize OER performance is summarized. The key challenges and prospects of the design of high-efficiency OER catalysts based on the above-mentioned mechanism and some new in situ characterizations are also discussed.

Synergistic Effect of Fe Single-Atom Catalyst for Highly Efficient Microwave-Stimulated Remediation of Chloramphenicol-Contaminated Soil

Chloramphenicol (CAP) has long been used extensively in agriculture and is severely toxic to the biological environment. Microwave catalysis appears a promising method for soil remediation due to its fast and effective heat transfer, but it is challenging to prepare catalysts with good electromagnetic wave absorption and robust catalytic activity. In this study, atomically dispersed Fe on three-dimensional N-doped carbon supports (3D Fe-NC) is firstly used for microwave remediation of soil. Thanks to the synergistic effect of microwave "hot spots" and reactive oxygen species (•OH, •O₂ ^- ), 3D Fe-NC can completely remove 99.9% of CAP in 5 min. The removal rate constant is nearly twice that of commercial activated carbon. Significantly, the germination rate of lettuce seeds in microwave-repaired soil contaminated by CAP reaches 70%. This work demonstrates the application of Fe single-atom catalyst in microwave remediation of contaminated soil, providing a novel insight for agricultural soil remediation.

Constructing atomically-dispersed Mn on ZIF-derived nitrogen-doped carbon for boosting oxygen reduction

Exploring durable and highly-active non-noble-metal nanomaterials to supersede Pt-based nanomaterials is an effective way, which can reduce the cost and boost the catalytic efficiency of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we constructed atomically-dispersed Mn atoms on the ZIF-derived nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks (Mn-N_x/NC) by stepwise pyrolysis. The Mn-N_x/NC relative to pure nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity with a higher half-wave potential (E_1/2 = 0.88 V) and a modest Tafel slope (90 mV dec⁻¹) toward ORR. The enhanced ORR performance of Mn-N_x/NC may be attributed to the existence of Mn-N_x active sites, which can more easily adsorb intermediates, promoting the efficiency of ORR. This work provides a facile route to synthesize single-atom catalysts for ORR.

Controlled Modification of Axial Coordination for Transition-Metal Single-Atom Electrocatalyst

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as a new frontier in areas such as electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and enzymatic catalysis. Aided by recent advances in the synthetic methodologies of nanomaterials, atomic characterization technologies, and theoretical calculation modeling, various SACs have been prepared for a variety of catalytic reactions. To meet the requirements of SACs with distinctive performance and appreciable selectivity, much research has been carried out to adjust the coordination configuration and electronic properties of SACs. This concept summarizes the latest advances in the experimental and computational efforts aimed at tuning the axial coordination of SACs. Series of atoms, functional groups or even macrocycles are oriented into the atomic metal center, and how this affects the electrocatalytic performance is also reviewed. Finally, this concept presents perspectives for the further precise design, preparation and in-situ detection of axially coordinated SACs.

Atomically Dispersed Fe-N3 C Sites Induce Asymmetric Electron Structures to Afford Superior Oxygen Reduction Activity

Introducing heteroatoms into atomically dispersed Fe-N₄ sites with symmetric electron distribution can adjust the imperfect oxygenated adsorption-activation and promote oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. However, the relevant design synthesis and deeply understanding the electrocatalytic mechanism of such an asymmetric structure by introducing Fe-C coordination remains challenging. Herein, the structural stability of Fe-N_x C_y (x = 0 ≈ 4, y = 4-x) is first theoretically predicted and indicates that the energy of Fe-N₄ in the two most stable structures is greater than that of Fe-N₃ C. Subsequently, Fe-N₄ and Fe-N₃ C configurations are controlled synthesized by adjusting pyrolytic temperature. The Fe-N₃ C-based electrocatalyst displays a boosted ORR activity with a half-wave potential of 0.91 V and superior long-term stability, outperforming Fe-N₄ , Pt/C, and state-of-the-art noble metal-free electrocatalysts. Density functional theory calculations unveil that Fe-N₃ C is much more favorable for electron delocalization than Fe-N₄ . Furthermore, the residual Zn atom derived from ZIF-8 would give its d-orbit electron to the Fe atom, so the synergy between Fe-N₃ C and Zn-N₄ makes an enhanced ORR activity.

Simultaneously Integrate Iron Single Atom and Nanocluster Triggered Tandem Effect for Boosting Oxygen Electroreduction

Atomically nitrogen-coordinated iron atoms on carbon (FeNC) catalysts are emerging as attractive materials to substitute precious-metal-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, FeNC usually suffers from unsatisfactory performance due to the symmetrical charge distribution around the iron site. Elaborately regulating the microenvironment of the central Fe atom can substantially improve the catalytic activity of FeNC, which remains challenging. Herein, N/S co-doped porous carbons are rationally prepared and are verified with rich Fe-active sites, including atomically dispersed FeN₄ and Fe nanoclusters (FeSA-FeNC@NSC), according to systematically synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis. Theoretical calculation verifies that the contiguous S atoms and Fe nanoclusters can break the symmetric electronic structure of FeN₄ and synergistically optimize 3d orbitals of Fe centers, thus accelerating OO bond cleavage in OOH* for improving ORR activity. The FeSA-Fe_NC @NSC delivers an impressive ORR activity with half-wave-potential of 0.90 V, which exceeds that of state-of-the-art Pt/C (0.87 V). Furthermore, FeSA-Fe_NC @NSC-based Zn-air batteries deliver excellent power densities of 259.88 and 55.86 mW cm^-2 in liquid and all-solid-state flexible configurations, respectively. This work presents an effective strategy to modulate the microenvironment of single atomic centers and boost the catalytic activity of single-atom catalysts by tandem effect.

Highly efficient and stable indium single-atom catalysts for electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to formate

Indium single-atom catalysts display a large total current density (38.94 to 81.08 mA cm^-2) over an extensive potential window (-0.91 to -1.41 V vs. RHE) for electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction to formate with high selectivity (85.2% faradaic efficiency at -1.31 V).

Atomically Dispersed Cu Anchored on Nitrogen and Boron Codoped Carbon Nanosheets for Enhancing Catalytic Performance

Development of high-performance heterogeneous catalytic materials is important for the rapid upgrade of chemicals, which remains a challenge. Here, the benzene oxidation reaction was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the atomic interface strategy to improve catalytic performance. The developed B,N-cocoordinated Cu single atoms anchored on carbon nanosheets (Cu₁/B-N) with the Cu-N₂B₁ atomic interface was prepared by the pyrolysis of a precoordinated Cu precursor. Benefiting from the unique atomic Cu-N₂B₁ interfacial structure, the designed Cu₁/B-N exhibited considerable activity in the oxidation of benzene, which was much higher than Cu₁/N-C, Cu NPs/N-C, and N-C catalysts. A theoretical study showed that the enhanced catalytic performance resulted from the optimized adsorption of intermediates, which originated from the manipulation of the electronic structure of Cu single atoms induced by B atom coordination in the Cu-N₂B₁ atomic interface. This study provides an innovative approach for the rational design of high-performance heterogeneous catalytic materials at the atomic level.

Active site engineering of single-atom carbonaceous electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

The electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the vital process at the cathode of next-generation electrochemical storage and conversion technologies, such as metal-air batteries and fuel cells. Single-metal-atom and nitrogen co-doped carbonaceous electrocatalysts (M-N-C) have emerged as attractive alternatives to noble-metal platinum for catalyzing the kinetically sluggish ORR due to their high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and structural tunability at the atomic level, however, their application is limited by the low intrinsic activity of the metal-nitrogen coordination sites (M-N x ) and inferior site density. In this Perspective, we summarize the recent progress and milestones relating to the active site engineering of single atom carbonous electrocatalysts for enhancing the ORR activity. Particular emphasis is placed on the emerging strategies for regulating the electronic structure of the single metal site and populating the site density. In addition, challenges and perspectives are provided regarding the future development of single atom carbonous electrocatalysts for the ORR and their utilization in practical use.

Atomically Dispersed Co2 -N6 and Fe-N4 Costructures Boost Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Both Alkaline and Acidic Media

Polynary transition-metal atom catalysts are promising to supersede platinum (Pt)-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Regulating the local configuration of atomic catalysts is the key to catalyst performance enhancement. Different from the previously reported single-atom or dual-atom configurations, a new type of ternary-atom catalyst, which consists of atomically dispersed, nitrogen-coordinated Co-Co dimers, and Fe single sites (i.e., Co₂ -N₆ and Fe-N₄ structures) that are coanchored on highly graphitized carbon supports is developed. This unique atomic ORR catalyst outperforms the catalysts with only Co₂ -N₆ or Fe-N₄ sites in both alkaline and acid conditions. Density functional theory calculations clearly unravels the synergistic effect of the Co₂ -N₆ and Fe-N₄ sites, which can induce higher filling degree of Fe-d orbitals and favors the binding capability to *OH intermediates (the rate determining step). This ternary-atom catalyst may be a promising alternative to Pt to drive the cathodic ORR in zinc-air batteries.

A single-atom Cu-N2 catalyst eliminates oxygen interference for electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide in a living animal brain

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) plays essential roles in various physiological and pathological processes. The electrochemical hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction (HPRR) has been recognized as an efficient approach to H₂O₂ sensing; however, the HPRR has always suffered from low tolerance against the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), resulting in poor selectivity of the HPRR-based sensing platform. In this study, we find that the electrochemical HPRR occurs preferentially compared to the ORR when isolated Cu atoms anchored on carbon nitride (Cu₁/C₃N₄) are used as a single-atom electrocatalyst, which is theoretically attributed to the lower energy barrier of the HPRR than that of the ORR on a Cu₁/C₃N₄ single-atom catalyst (SAC). With the Cu₁/C₃N₄ SAC as the electrocatalyst, we fabricated microsensors that have a good response to H₂O₂, but not to O₂ or other electroactive neurochemicals. When implanted into a living rat brain, the microsensor shows excellent in vivo sensing performance, enabling its application in real-time quantitative investigation of the dynamics of H₂O₂ production induced by mercaptosuccinate and glutathione monoethyl ester in a living animal brain.

We have achieved the selective monitoring of H₂O₂ fluctuation in vivo free from O₂ interference by a single-atom Cu–N₂ electrocatalyst.

Atomically dispersed Pd catalysts promote the oxygen evolution reaction in acidic media

A Pd-doped Pt₃Sn-based single atom alloy catalyst (Pd-Pt₃Sn) was synthesized via a hydrothermal method. The overpotential of Pd-Pt₃Sn is lower than that of commercial Pd/C and IrO₂ catalysts at 10 mA cm^-2. This is due to the synergistic effect between Pt, Sn and Pd and the influence of electronic effects on their catalytic performance.

One-Step Prepared Water-Resistant Organic-Inorganic-Hybrid Perovskite Quantum Dots with Zn-Oxygen Vacancies for Attempts at Nitrogen Fixation

Applying organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) to photocatalytic nitrogen fixation is hindered long-term by the inherent instability in water and tedious preparations. Here, to realize PQD-catalyzed photocatalytic N₂ reduction reaction (NRR), water-resistant PQDs are simply prepared through one-step electrospray synthesis in microseconds. During the fast electrospray, PQDs of Zn/PbO-doped methylammonium lead bromide (Zn/PbO/PC-Zn/MAPbBr₃ , MA: CH₃ NH₃ ) are prepared and part-encapsulated by polycarbonate. The synthesis maintains good water resistance, whose restriction on charge transport is overcome skillfully. Simultaneously, substitution of Zn with Pb on water-resistant surface is also achieved, which fabricates new Zn-oxygen vacancies (Zn-OVs) with Zn/PbO-Zn/MAPbBr₃ type I heterojunction. This facilitates efficient electron transfer from internal heterojunction interface of Zn/MAPbBr₃ PQDs to the surface of Zn/PbO. Demonstrated by theoretical calculations, Zn-OVs promote chemisorption and polarization of N₂ . In addition, s-electrons in exposed Zn become active due to changes of electron filling of Zn orbitals under OVs' co-doping. Thus, photocatalytic N₂ reduction reaction catalyzed by organic-inorganic hybrid PQDs is first achieved in aqueous phase without sacrificial agents being added. This initiates possibilities for photocatalytic applications of organic-inorganic hybrid PQDs in aqueous phase.

Designed Synthesis and Catalytic Mechanisms of Non-Precious Metal Single-Atom Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the important half-reaction for metal-air batteries and fuel cells (FCs), which plays the decisive role for the performance of whole devices. Developing high-efficiency non-precious metal ORR catalysts is urgent and still challenging. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are considered to be one of the promising substitutes for Pt due to their maximum atom utilization efficiency and mass activity. Despite considerable efforts in preparing various SACs, the reaction mechanism and intrinsic activity modulation during the ORR reaction are still not understood in-depth. In this review, the latest advances in the current synthetic strategies for SACs are summarized. The effect of various coordination environments including central metal atoms, coordination atoms, environmental atoms, and guest groups on the intrinsic ORR activity of SACs are discussed. The electrocatalytic mechanisms are clarified by combining density functional theory calculations with in situ advanced characterization technologies. Then, the applications of SACs in FCs and Zn-air batteries are reviewed. Finally, the prospects and challenges for further development of SACs are highlighted.

Atomically Structural Regulations of Carbon-Based Single-Atom Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂ RR) converting CO₂ into value-added chemicals and fuels to realize carbon recycling is a solution to the problem of renewable energy shortage and environmental pollution. Among all the catalysts, the carbon-based single-atom catalysts (SACs) with isolated metal atoms immobilized on conductive carbon substrates have shown significant potential toward CO₂ RR, which intrigues researchers to explore high-performance SACs for fuel and chemical production by CO₂ RR. Especially, regulating the coordination structures of the metal centers and the microenvironments of the substrates in carbon-based SACs has emerged as an effective strategy for the tailoring of their CO₂ RR catalytic performance. In this review, the current in situ/operando study techniques and the fundamental parameters for CO₂ RR performance are first briefly presented. Furthermore, the recent advances in synthetic strategies which regulate the atomic structures of the carbon-based SACs, including heteroatom coordination, coordination numbers, diatomic metal centers, and the microenvironments of substrates are summarized. In particular, the structure-performance relationship of the SACs toward CO₂ RR is highlighted. Finally, the inevitable challenges for SACs are outlined and further research directions toward CO₂ RR are presented from the perspectives.

Boosting oxygen reduction activity and enhancing stability through structural transformation of layered lithium manganese oxide

Structural degradation in manganese oxides leads to unstable electrocatalytic activity during long-term cycles. Herein, we overcome this obstacle by using proton exchange on well-defined layered Li2MnO3 with an O3-type structure to construct protonated Li2-xHxMnO3-n with a P3-type structure. The protonated catalyst exhibits high oxygen reduction reaction activity and excellent stability compared to previously reported cost-effective Mn-based oxides. Configuration interaction and density functional theory calculations indicate that Li2-xHxMnO3-n has fewer unstable O 2p holes with a Mn3.7+ valence state and a reduced interlayer distance, originating from the replacement of Li by H. The former is responsible for the structural stability, while the latter is responsible for the high transport property favorable for boosting activity. The optimization of both charge states to reduce unstable O 2p holes and crystalline structure to reduce the reaction pathway is an effective strategy for the rational design of electrocatalysts, with a likely extension to a broad variety of layered alkali-containing metal oxides.

Catalytic Nanomaterials toward Atomic Levels for Biomedical Applications: From Metal Clusters to Single-Atom Catalysts

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) featuring the complete atomic utilization of metal, high-efficient catalytic activity, superior selectivity, and excellent stability have been emerged as a frontier in the catalytic field. Recently, increasing interests have been drawn to apply SACs in biomedical fields for enzyme-mimic catalysis and disease therapy. To fulfill the demand of precision and personalized medicine, precisely engineering the structure and active site toward atomic levels is a trend for nanomedicines, promoting the evolution of metal-based biomedical nanomaterials, particularly biocatalytic nanomaterials, from nanoparticles to clusters and now to SACs. This review outlines the syntheses, characterizations, and catalytic mechanisms of metal clusters and SACs, with a focus on their biomedical applications including biosensing, antibacterial therapy, and cancer therapy, as well as an emphasis on their in vivo biological safeties. Challenges and future perspectives are ultimately prospected for SACs in diverse biomedical applications.

Tuning morphology, composition and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic performance of manganese oxide particles fabricated by γ-radiation induced synthesis

A γ-radiation induced synthesis method is used to fabricate manganese oxide catalysts through both reduction and oxidation routes. It is shown that the morphology, composition and electrochemical performance of the produced manganese oxide particles can be tuned by altering the redox conditions. The catalysts prepared via radiolytic oxidation have a hollow spherical morphology, possess γ-MnO₂ structure and show high catalytic activity for the complete four-electron reaction pathway of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline electrolyte. Meanwhile, the catalysts synthesized via radiolytic reduction possess a rod-like morphology with a Mn₃O₄ bulk structure and favour the incomplete two-electron reaction pathway for ORR. The high catalytic activity of the manganese oxide synthesized via the oxidation route can be attributed to high electrochemical surface area and increased amount of Mn³⁺ on the surface as compared to those in the sample obtained via the reduction route.

Carbon-wrapped Fe–Ni bimetallic nanoparticle-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts acylation for green synthesis of aromatic ketones

FexNi1−x@NC efficiently catalyzed Friedel–Crafts acylation for green synthesis of aromatic ketones and exploration of the essence of catalytically active sites.

Design of a Single-Atom Indiumδ+ -N4 Interface for Efficient Electroreduction of CO2 to Formate

Main-group element indium (In) is a promising electrocatalyst which triggers CO₂ reduction to formate, while the high overpotential and low Faradaic efficiency (FE) hinder its practical application. Herein, we rationally design a new In single-atom catalyst containing exclusive isolated In^δ+ -N₄ atomic interface sites for CO₂ electroreduction to formate with high efficiency. This catalyst exhibits an extremely large turnover frequency (TOF) up to 12500 h^-1 at -0.95 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), with a FE for formate of 96 % and current density of 8.87 mA cm^-2 at low potential of -0.65 V versus RHE. Our findings present a feasible strategy for the accurate regulation of main-group indium catalysts for CO₂ reduction at atomic scale.