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

Abstract

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-Nx/NC) by stepwise pyrolysis. The Mn-Nx/NC relative to pure nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity with a higher half-wave potential (E1/2 = 0.88 V) and a modest Tafel slope (90 mV dec−1) toward ORR. The enhanced ORR performance of Mn-Nx/NC may be attributed to the existence of Mn-Nx 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.

Homogeneous catalysis of dioxygen reduction by molecular Mn complexes

“…For the purposes of this perspective, we are excluding Cu-based systems, 26 heterogeneous systems based on molecular Mn active sites, and single atom Mn catalysts, but we direct interested readers to a number of relevant reviews and articles on heterogeneous and immobilized Mn-based catalysts for the ORR. [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43]…”

Highly active ZIF-8@CNT composite catalysts as cathode materials for anion exchange membrane fuel cells

“…High-temperature annealing at 900 °C has been reported to effectively remove Zn traces from the material and the same was observed with our catalysts. 56,57 SEM is confined to lower magnifications and does not provide an in-depth picture of the material. Therefore, STEM measurements were performed on all the catalyst materials at different resolutions.…”