Fe/Co dual metal catalysts modulated by S-ligands for efficient acidic oxygen reduction in PEMFC

Sci Adv. 2023 Jun 9;9(23):eadg0366. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adg0366. Epub 2023 Jun 9.

Abstract

Here, we report a conceptual strategy for introducing spatial sulfur (S)-bridge ligands to regulate the coordination environment of Fe-Co-N dual-metal centers (Spa-S-Fe,Co/NC). Benefiting from the electronic modulation, Spa-S-Fe,Co/NC catalyst showed remarkably enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance with a half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.846 V and satisfactory long-term durability in acidic electrolyte. Combined experimental and theoretical studies revealed that the excellent acidic ORR activity with a remarkable stability observed for Spa-S-Fe,Co/NC is attributable to the optimal adsorption-desorption of ORR oxygenated intermediates achieved through charge-modulation of Fe-Co-N bimetallic centers by the spatial S-bridge ligands. These findings provide a unique perspective to regulate the local coordination environment of catalysts with dual-metal-centers to optimize their electrocatalytic performance.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Electronics*
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia*
  • Ligands
  • Metals
  • Oxygen

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Metals
  • Oxygen