Well‐defined N₃C₁‐anchored Single‐Metal‐Sites for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Abstract

Abstract N‐, C‐, O‐, S‐coordinated single‐metal‐sites (SMSs) have garnered significant attention due to the potential for significantly enhanced catalytic capabilities resulting from charge redistribution. However, significant challenges persist in the precise design of well‐defined such SMSs, and the fundamental comprehension has long been impeded in case‐by‐case reports using carbon materials as investigation targets. In this work, the well‐defined molecular catalysts with N 3 C 1 ‐anchored SMSs, i.e., N‐confused metalloporphyrins (NCPor‐Ms), are calculated for their catalytic oxygen reduction activity. Then, NCPor‐Ms with corresponding N 4 ‐anchored SMSs (metalloporphyrins, Por‐Ms), are synthesized for catalytic activity evaluation. Among all, NCPor‐Co reaches the top in established volcano plots. NCPor‐Co also shows the highest half‐wave potential of 0.83 V vs. RHE, which is much better than that of Por‐Co (0.77 V vs. RHE). Electron‐rich, low band gap and regulated d ‐band center contribute to the high activity of NCPor‐Co. This study delves into the examination of well‐defined asymmetric SMS molecular catalysts, encompassing both theoretical and experimental facets. It serves as a pioneering step towards enhancing the fundamental comprehension and facilitating the development of high‐performance asymmetric SMS catalysts.