Beyond electronic effects: hydrogen-bond engineering via N-mediated microenvironment control for accelerated oxygen electroreduction

Key Points

• This research aims to explore how modifying hydrogen bonds can optimize the performance of single-atom catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction.
• Utilized hydrogen-bond engineering to control the microenvironment of active sites.
• Evaluated the catalytic efficiency of the engineered single-atom catalysts in oxygen electroreduction.
• Measured the electrochemical performance and analyzed structural changes.
• Hydrogen-bond engineering led to significant improvements in catalytic activity compared to standard methods.
• Enhanced oxygen reduction reaction rates were achieved, indicating better performance.
• Structural stability of the engineered catalysts was maintained under operational conditions.