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Synergistic Work Function Optimization via the Three-Dimensional Gradient Modulation Strategy for High-Performance ORR Electrocatalysis

delete2025-11-27
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PRE
AI
Z
Zhijie Qi
P
Pengcheng Yao *
M
Miao Xu
Y
Ying Shen
Y
Yuhe Xue
J
Jingwei Liu
S
Shixiang Zuo
Xin Wang cover
Xin Wang (Xin Wang)
J
Junwu Zhu
Y
Yongsheng Fu *
DOI:10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c10476delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is strongly governed by the adsorption of intermediates, where sluggish electron transfer limits the energy conversion efficiency. Modulating the work function (WF) of the catalyst is a promising strategy to regulate electron transfer and adsorption energetics, but most approaches rely on localized modifications, hindering balanced WF optimization. Here, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) gradient WF regulation strategy to construct a catalyst (Co3O4@Co@BN-CNTs) featuring B, N-codoped carbon nanotubes coupled with Co3O4@Co heterointerfaces. In this architecture, B and N doping modulates the carbon surface electronic structure, while nanoscale heterostructures redistribute charge at carbon–metal junctions. This 3D regulation enables precise WF tuning, optimizes intermediate adsorption, and lowers the energy barrier of the potential-determining step (PDS). As a result, the catalyst achieves excellent ORR activity with an onset potential (Eonset) of 0.99 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) and a half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.88 V (vs RHE) in 0.1 M KOH. At the same time, Co3O4@Co@BN-CNTs also shows excellent performance as a cathode material for Zn-air batteries, with a peak power density of 134.6 mA cm–2 and stable cycling over 400 cycles. This study provides new insights into multidimensional electronic structure engineering for the design of next-generation electrocatalysts.

Journal

ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering cover
ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering
IF:
7.3
Papers:
1.7W
Citations:
10.7W

Organization

S
sinopec yangzi petrochemical company
Scholars:
1
Papers: 1
Citations: 0
N
Nanjing University of Science and Technology
Scholars:
5.6K
Papers: 2.2K
Citations: 25
C
Changzhou University
Scholars:
1.3W
Papers: 8.1K
Citations: 1.1W
J
Johns Hopkins University
Scholars:
10.2W
Papers: 8.8W
Citations: 13.0W
Cited Papers

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