Enhancing the oxygen reduction activity by constructing nanocluster-scaled Fe₂O₃/Cu interfaces

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Interface engineering is key for improving electrocatalyst performance in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
• Controlling interface size at the nanocluster scale and understanding the underlying mechanisms remain significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and investigate a model catalyst (FeCu@NC) with nanocluster-scaled Fe2O3/Cu interfaces.
• To explore the enhancement of interface engineering for ORR activity and zinc-air battery performance.
• To elucidate the mechanism by which the Fe2O3/Cu interface boosts catalytic activity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a FeCu@NC model catalyst by modulating precursor metal components.
• Characterization of the catalyst's microstructure and interface properties.
• Electrochemical testing for ORR activity and zinc-air battery performance.
• Experimental and theoretical calculations to understand the catalytic mechanism.

Main Results:

• The FeCu@NC catalyst, featuring Fe2O3/Cu nanocluster interfaces, demonstrated superior ORR activity.
• The synergistic effect of interfacial coupling and optimized microstructure led to enhanced zinc-air battery performance.
• Theoretical calculations revealed that the Fe2O3/Cu interface positively charges Cu atoms, creating active sites for ORR.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully demonstrates the efficacy of interface engineering at the nanocluster scale for ORR electrocatalysts.
• A novel mechanism involving positively charged Cu atoms at the Fe2O3/Cu interface as active sites was identified.
• This work offers valuable insights for designing advanced electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction.