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Strain-Driven Bimetallic-Interface Orbital Hybridization for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Rui Xu1,2, Jun Ren3, Xinyue Shen4
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, P. R. China.
Surface strain in single-atom catalysts (SACs) enhances catalytic activity by tuning electronic interactions. Applying strain to bimetallic SACs improves interfacial charge transfer and orbital coupling for better performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Bimetallic-interface orbital hybridization is crucial for single-atom catalysts (SACs) activity.
- The influence of surface strain on electronic coupling in SACs requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of structural strain on bimetallic-hybridized SACs.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of interfacial charge transfer and orbital interaction under strain.
Main Methods:
- Computational modeling of bimetallic-hybridized SACs with varying structural strain.
- Analysis of spin-resolved electronic structure and d-band center.
- Calculation of Gibbs free energy to assess catalytic activity.
Main Results:
- Asymmetric superexchange interaction between Fe and Ni sites in strained SACs enhances electronic coupling.
- External strain modifies spin-resolved electronic structure, d-band center, and Gibbs free energy.
- Strained bimetallic SACs exhibit significantly higher catalytic activity.
Conclusions:
- Surface strain is a key factor in optimizing the catalytic performance of bimetallic SACs.
- Strain engineering provides a novel approach to enhance interfacial charge transfer and orbital interactions in SACs.
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