Implanting Atomically Dispersed Fe and Mo Sites into 3D Scaffolds: A Scalable Route to Bifunctional Water Splitting...

Due to geometric constraints of planar substrates and poor electrical interface properties, overcoming the performance bottlenecks of single-atom catalysts (SACs) in industrial water splitting remains a challenge. Here, we extend ion implantation technology to hierarchical three-dimensional (3D) structures by constructing iron- and molybdenum-based SACs uniformly anchored on carbon nanotube/nickel foam (CNT/NF) scaffolds. This physical approach enables the precise and scalable incorporation of metal atoms with high dispersion and accessibility on a scale of up to 8 inches. Implantation-induced M─C coordination optimizes the electronic structure of active sites, lowering the reaction energy barrier by shifting the d-band center and enhancing d-p orbital hybridization. Concurrently, the 3D CNT/NF scaffold facilitates rapid charge transfer and efficient bubble release. An anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer with the two catalysts delivered a current density of 500 mA cm^-2 at 1.66 V and 60°C and demonstrated robust durability over 100 h of continuous operation. This work establishes a scalable, effective platform for designing high-performance, durable non-precious SACs for practical water electrolysis.