Engineering an Ultrahigh–Surface–Area Diatomic Catalyst via Two-Dimensional–Templated Vapor–Deposition for Advanced Energy Conversion

Donghao Xu

doi:10.1002/smll.74131

Engineering an Ultrahigh–Surface–Area Diatomic Catalyst via Two-Dimensional–Templated Vapor–Deposition for Advanced Energy Conversion

2026-06-07

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DOI：10.1002/smll.74131

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The widespread adoption of rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs) is hindered by the slow kinetics of the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. We report a high-performance diatomic catalyst comprising atomically dispersed Fe–Cu pairs on nitrogen-doped carbon (FeCu/NC), synthesized via a two-dimensional-templated vapor–deposition approach. The resulting material possesses a specific surface area of 1800 m2 g−1—among the highest reported for atomic catalysts—which facilitates efficient mass transport. In alkaline media, FeCu/NC exhibits exceptional ORR activity, featuring a half-wave potential of 0.912 V, exceeding the performance of the single–atom analogues and commercial Pt/C. This enhancement stems from the heteronuclear electronic coupling, wherein the adjacent Cu atom modulates the Fe d–band center, thereby reducing the activation barrier for rate-limiting O–O bond cleavage. Employed on an air–cathode, FeCu/NC endows a ZAB with high power density and prolonged cycling stability. Collectively, this study highlights a fundamental breakthrough: the integration of tailored heteronuclear active sites within a high–surface–area architecture offers a powerful catalyst design route for advanced energy conversion.

Keywords:

diatomic catalyst

energy conversion

oxygen reduction

ultrahigh surface area

Engineering an Ultrahigh–Surface–Area Diatomic Catalyst via Two-Dimensional–Templated Vapor–Deposition for Advanced Energy Conversion

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