Electrochemical oxygen reduction catalysed by Ni3(hexaiminotriphenylene)2

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Designing efficient and stable non-platinum group metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is challenging.
• Controlling the architectural and electronic properties of heterogeneous catalysts is crucial for targeted design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce Ni3(HITP)2, an intrinsically conductive metal-organic framework, as a well-defined and tunable ORR electrocatalyst.
• To evaluate the activity and stability of Ni3(HITP)2 in alkaline solution.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of Ni3(HITP)2 metal-organic framework.
• Electrochemical evaluation of oxygen reduction reaction activity and stability in alkaline media.

Main Results:

• Ni3(HITP)2 demonstrates ORR activity competitive with leading non-platinum group metal electrocatalysts.
• The material exhibits stability during extended electrochemical polarization.
• The catalyst features well-defined, square planar Ni-N4 sites, similar to highly active M-N4 electrocatalysts.

Conclusions:

• Ni3(HITP)2 combines the benefits of metal-organic frameworks, graphitic materials, and molecular species for ORR catalysis.
• This material offers a promising platform for the targeted synthesis and optimization of electrocatalysts for fuel cells and electrolyzers.