Cooperation between dual metal atoms and nanoclusters enhances activity and stability for oxygen reduction and evolution

• Main Authors: Wang, Zhe, Jin, Xiaoyan, Xu, Ruojie, Yang, Zhenbei, Ma, Shidong, Yan, Tao, Zhu, Chao, Fang, Jian, Liu, Yipu, Hwang, Seong-Ju, Pan, Zhijuan, Fan, Hong Jin
• Other Authors: School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Science::Physics; Dual Single Atoms; Nanocluster
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/170287
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

We have achieved the synthesis of dual-metal single atoms and atomic clusters that co-anchor on a highly graphitic carbon support. The catalyst comprises Ni4 (and Fe4) nanoclusters located adjacent to the corresponding NiN4 (and FeN4) single-atom sites, which is verified by systematic X-ray absorption characterization and density functional theory calculations. A distinct cooperation between Fe4 (Ni4) nanoclusters and the corresponding FeN4 (NiN4) atomic sites optimizes the adsorption energy of reaction intermediates and reduces the energy barrier of the potential-determining steps. This catalyst exhibits enhanced oxygen reduction and evolution activity and long-cycle stability compared to counterparts without nanoclusters and commercial Pt/C. The fabricated Zn-air batteries deliver a high power density and long-term cyclability, demonstrating their prospects in energy storage device applications.