Engineering bimetallic cluster architectures: Harnessing unique 'remote synergy effect' between Mn and Y for enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction

Bibliographic Details
Title: Engineering bimetallic cluster architectures: Harnessing unique 'remote synergy effect' between Mn and Y for enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Yijian Song, Chao Han, Weijie Li, Xiufeng Yi, Qing Liao, Ji Zhou, Yaqin Zhou, Yitao Ouyang, Yingping Zhang, Qingqing Zheng, Anqiang Pan
Source: eScience, Vol 5, Iss 3, Pp 100332- (2025)
Publisher Information: KeAi Communications Co. Ltd., 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Mechanical engineering and machinery
LCC:Electronics
Subject Terms: Remote synergy effect, Sacrificial protection mechanism, Rare earth metal, Clusters, Unsaturated active sites, Single atoms, Mechanical engineering and machinery, TJ1-1570, Electronics, TK7800-8360
Description: Integrating single atoms and clusters into a unified catalytic system represents a novel strategy for enhancing catalytic performance. Compared to single-atom catalysts, those incorporating both single atoms and clusters exhibit superior catalytic activity. However, the co-construction of these systems and the mechanisms of their catalytic efficacy remain challenging and poorly understood. In this study, we synthesized a Mn–N–C catalyst featuring MnY clusters and Mn single atoms via a straightforward two-step sintering method. Y doping facilitated the formation of Mn clusters and optimized the d-band center of Mn through a unique synergy effect, thereby reducing energy barriers and enhancing the reaction kinetics. Additionally, the electron-donating ability of Y single atoms promoted the formation of unsaturated Mn–N₃ coordination structures, resulting in excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance. Consequently, the MnY/NC catalyst demonstrated a half-wave potential (E₁/₂) of 0.90 ​V and maintained stability in 0.1 ​M KOH, outperforming both Mn/NC and Pt/C. This work underscores the potential of rare earth metal doping in transition metals to create stable single-atom and cluster systems, effectively leveraging their synergy effect for superior catalytic performance and validating the concept of the “remote synergy effect” in heterogeneous catalysis.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2667-1417
Relation: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667141724001319; https://doaj.org/toc/2667-1417
DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2024.100332
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/de47deea46104c15958d075f5cae9985
Accession Number: edsdoj.47deea46104c15958d075f5cae9985
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Description
ISSN:26671417
DOI:10.1016/j.esci.2024.100332