Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains an important bottleneck for widespread implementation of a hydrogen economy. While improvements in the OER can be realized by spin polarizing the reaction intermediates, these methods often rely on applying external magnetic fields to ferromagnetic catalysts or by adsorbing chiral molecules onto the catalyst. Here, we show that the addition of chiral additives to the conductive binder supporting the catalysts enhances the selectivity for O 2 formation and results in exceedingly high mass activities. The results are explained within the context of a statistical model in which the additives are hypothesized to act as a localized chiral bias that enhances radical intermediate coupling. More broadly, these studies illustrate a flexible design motif for improving OER catalysis that persists under different pH conditions, is independent of the choice of catalyst, and can be extrapolated to other chemical reactions.
Source: ACS Catalysis
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: G1440686983, G4969107856
OpenAlex ID: W4404220015