Zn Single Atom Catalyst for Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Abstract

The authors report first a new type of nitrogen‐triggered Zn single atom catalyst, demonstrating high catalytic activity and remarkable durability for the oxygen reduction reaction process. Both X‐ray absorption fine structure spectra and theoretical calculations suggest that the atomically dispersed Zn‐N 4 site is the main, as well as the most active, component with O adsorption as the rate‐limiting step at a low overpotential of 1.70 V. This work opens a new field for the exploration of high‐performance Pt‐free electrochemical oxygen reduction catalysts for fuel cells.