A Janus structured TaO/TaN heterojunction as an efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst for H₂O₂ production

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• The two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e^- ORR) is crucial for applications like metal-air batteries and fuel cells.
• Developing efficient and selective catalysts for the 2e^- ORR remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the catalytic performance of a Janus TaO/TaN heterojunction hybrid with graphene for the 2e^- ORR.
• To understand the structure-activity relationship governing the enhanced ORR performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Janus TaO/TaN heterojunction hybrid with graphene.
• Electrochemical characterization of the catalyst for 2e^- ORR activity, selectivity, and durability.
• Computational analysis to elucidate reaction mechanisms and binding energies.

Main Results:

• The Janus TaO/TaN@Gr hybrid exhibited excellent activity, selectivity, and durability for the 2e^- ORR.
• Performance was superior compared to the control TaON@Gr material.
• Optimized O₂ adsorption and favored *OOH binding were identified as key factors in the Janus heterojunction.

Conclusions:

• The Janus TaO/TaN heterojunction provides an effective platform for designing high-performance 2e^- ORR catalysts.
• This study presents a new structural design strategy for advanced ORR electrocatalysts.