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Bio-inspired nanocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

Author

Listed:
  • Doris Grumelli

    (Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research)

  • Benjamin Wurster

    (Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research)

  • Sebastian Stepanow

    (Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research)

  • Klaus Kern

    (Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research
    Institut de Physique de la Matière Condensée, Ècole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

Abstract

Electrochemical conversions at fuel cell electrodes are complex processes. In particular, the oxygen reduction reaction has substantial overpotential limiting the electrical power output efficiency. Effective and inexpensive catalytic interfaces are therefore essential for increased performance. Taking inspiration from enzymes, earth-abundant metal centres embedded in organic environments present remarkable catalytic active sites. Here we show that these enzyme-inspired centres can be effectively mimicked in two-dimensional metal-organic coordination networks self-assembled on electrode surfaces. Networks consisting of trimesic acid and bis-pyridyl-bispyrimidine coordinating to single iron and manganese atoms on Au(111) effectively catalyse the oxygen reduction and reveal distinctive catalytic activity in alkaline media. These results demonstrate the potential of surface-engineered metal-organic networks for electrocatalytic conversions. Specifically designed coordination complexes at surfaces inspired by enzyme cofactors represent a new class of nanocatalysts with promising applications in electrocatalysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Doris Grumelli & Benjamin Wurster & Sebastian Stepanow & Klaus Kern, 2013. "Bio-inspired nanocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-6, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3904
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3904
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    Cited by:

    1. Nandan, Ravi & Goswami, Gopal Krishna & Nanda, Karuna Kar, 2017. "Direct synthesis of Pt-free catalyst on gas diffusion layer of fuel cell and usage of high boiling point fuels for efficient utilization of waste heat," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 1050-1058.

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