Dual-molten-salt engineering of accessible active sites in single-atom Fe-N-C catalysts

Key Points

• This research aims to enhance the accessibility of active sites in ZIF-8-derived single-atom Fe-N-C catalysts using a dual-molten-salt strategy.
• Utilized a dual-molten-salt approach with NaCl and KCl to modify ZIF-8-derived catalysts.
• Examined the preservation of microporous structure and structural opening to create a micro–mesoporous network.
• Conducted structural and catalytic performance analyses to assess accessibility and activity.
• NaCl successfully preserved the microporous frameworks, maintaining structural integrity.
• KCl significantly opened the structure, resulting in a hierarchical micro–mesoporous network.
• The dual strategy led to a notable increase in active site accessibility, enhancing catalytic performance.