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Near-100% site utilization of single atoms for efficient electrocatalysis
Xiaoqian Wei1,2, Meng An3,4, Xiannong Tang5
1Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
Nature Communications
|January 20, 2026
Summary
A new surfactant-assisted freeze-casting method enhances single-atom catalyst utilization by creating accessible 2D structures. This strategy improves electrocatalytic performance, particularly for oxygen reduction reactions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Enhancing single-atom (SA) site utilization (Usite) is critical for electrocatalysis, but accessibility is often limited by carbon material structure.
- Dense micropores and disordered particle stacking hinder SA accessibility during reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel strategy for significantly improving SA site utilization in electrocatalysts.
- To create 2D FeNC materials with optimized macro- and micro-structures for enhanced catalytic activity.
Main Methods:
- Employed a surfactant-assisted freeze-casting (SAFC) strategy using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) modified Fe-doped zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (Fe/ZIF-8) particles.
- Utilized pyrolysis of SDS-modified Fe/ZIF-8 assembled 2D superstructures to form concave, mesopore-rich carbon.
- Investigated the structural transformation induced by SDS and particle alignment during pyrolysis.
Main Results:
- Achieved near-100% Usite of SAs in 2D FeNC materials.
- Demonstrated enhanced electron and mass transport capabilities due to optimized structures.
- Obtained a high half-wave potential of 0.958 V for oxygen reduction reaction in alkali media.
Conclusions:
- The SAFC strategy effectively overcomes SA inaccessibility, leading to near-100% site utilization.
- The developed 2D FeNC materials exhibit superior electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction.
- The SAFC approach shows broad applicability for enhancing various 2D metal-nanocarbon electrocatalysts.
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