Selectively anchoring single atoms on specific sites of supports for improved oxygen evolution

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30148-3
• Publication Date: 2022-05-05T10:08:32Z
• Authors: Zhirong Zhang; Chen Feng; Dongdi Wang; Shiming Zhou; Ruyang Wang; Sunpei Hu; Hongliang Li; Ming Zuo; Yuan Kong; Jun Bao; Jie Zeng
• Keywords: Anchoring

Abstract The homogeneity of single-atom catalysts is only to the first-order approximation when all isolated metal centers interact identically with support. Since realistic support various topologies or defects offers diverse coordination environments, realizing real requires precise control over anchoring sites. In this work, we selectively anchor Ir single atoms onto three-fold hollow sites (Ir 1 /T O –CoOOH) and oxygen vacancies /V on defective CoOOH surface investigate how modulate catalytic performance. evolution activities –CoOOH are improved relative through different mechanisms. For –CoOOH, strong electronic interaction between modifies structure active center for stronger affinity intermediates. a hydrogen bonding formed coordinated oxygenated intermediates, which stabilizes intermediates lowers energy barrier rate-determining step.