Iron atom–cluster interactions increase activity and improve durability in Fe–N–C fuel cells

Abstract Simultaneously increasing the activity and stability of the single-atom active sites of M–N–C catalysts is critical but remains a great challenge. Here, we report an Fe–N–C catalyst with nitrogen-coordinated iron clusters and closely surrounding Fe–N 4 active sites for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic fuel cells. A strong electronic interaction is built between iron clusters and satellite Fe–N 4 due to unblocked electron transfer pathways and very short interacting distances. The iron clusters optimize the adsorption strength of oxygen reduction intermediates on Fe–N 4 and also shorten the bond amplitude of Fe–N 4 with incoherent vibrations. As a result, both the activity and stability of Fe–N 4…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 21975010, U21A20328
• BU
  Beihang University
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality

  Award: Z200012
• AE
  Academic Excellence Foundation of BUAA for PHD Students