Rare earth single atoms enhance manganese oxide's electrochemical oxygen evolution
The date of：
2024-12-31
viewed:
4
An international group of researchers has developed a novel approach that enhances the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a key process in renewable energy technologies. By introducing rare earth single atoms into manganese oxide (MnO2), the group successfully modulated oxygen electronic states, leading to unprecedented improvements in OER performance.Their findings are published in the journal Nano Energy.Transition-metal-based oxides have been widely explored for their potential as active OER catalysts. However, the capacity of these catalysts is hindered by the adsorbate evolution mechanism, which limits the effective release of oxygen (O2) during the reaction."We constructed localized asymmetric gadolinium-oxygen-manganese units on MnO2, which helps accumulate electrons at oxygen sites," notes Hao Li, corresponding author of the paper and an associate professor at the Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR) at Tohoku University."By doing this, the catalysts achieve a lower overpotential and maintain stability over time, making it a suitable alternative to traditional catalysts such as ruthenium dioxide (RuO2)."Hao Li and his colleagues employed an argon plasma-assisted strategy to introduce rare earth elements on the catalyst surface. In this strategy, argon gas is ionized, energizing and helping break the argon atoms into ions and electrons, thereby making it easier to interact with and modify materials."We have addressed the challenges associated with the adsorbate evolution mechanism that limits the performance of transition-metal-based oxides like MnO2," adds Di Zhang, co-author of the study and a Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at WPI-AIMR."By improving the understanding of the structure-activity relationship under the lattice oxygen mechanism, the research provides a foundation for more effective catalyst design."Building on the success of this study, the group plans to extend their methodology to a variety of electrochemical reactions. This approach will help further decipher unique structure-activity correlations, ultimately contributing to the design of even more effective and high-performance electrocatalysts.More information: Meng Li et al, Atomic rare earths activate direct O
Hot News
/
Related to recommend
2025
-
11
-
03
Click on the number of times:
0
来源：mining.comMalaysia will maintain a ban on the export of raw rare earths to protect its domestic resources, despite signing a critical minerals deal with the United States this week, the trade minis...
2025
-
11
-
03
Click on the number of times:
0
来源：mining.comRare earths firm REalloys has received a letter of interest from the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM) for a loan worth up to $200 million to fund processing and magnet facilities, in what wou...
2025
-
10
-
29
Click on the number of times:
2
来源：mining.comEuropean Council President Antonio Costa said on Monday that high-level officials from China were scheduled to visit Brussels in the coming weeks to discuss Beijing’s export curbs on rare...
2025
-
10
-
28
Click on the number of times:
2
来源：mining.comMinespider and critical minerals broker Rare Earth Ventures (REV) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at bringing traceability to rare earth and other mineral supply chains in...