Heteroatom-tuned σ–π orbital reorganization enables efficient oxygen reduction and evolution of electrocatalysis beyond noble-metal catalysts

Key Points

• The research aims to explore how tuning heteroatoms can enhance electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction and evolution.
• Analyzed σ–π orbital interactions at TM–N4 sites
• Investigated adsorption chemistry modifications
• Examined effects on ORR/OER scaling relations
• Compared performance with noble-metal catalysts
• Achieved efficient bifunctional electrocatalysis using earth-abundant metals
• Broke traditional scaling relations, indicating improved efficiency
• Validated heteroatom tuning as a key factor in performance enhancement