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Site-specific synergy in heterogeneous single atoms for efficient oxygen evolution

Author

Listed:
  • Peiyu Ma

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Jiawei Xue

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Ji Li

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Heng Cao

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Ruyang Wang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Ming Zuo

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Zhirong Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Jun Bao

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China)

Abstract

Heterogeneous single-atom systems demonstrate potential to break performance limitations of single-atom catalysts through synergy interactions. The synergy in heterogeneous single atoms strongly dependes on their anchoring sites. Herein, we reveal the site-specific synergy in heterogeneous single atoms for oxygen evolution. The RuTIrV/CoOOH is fabricated by anchoring Ru single atoms onto three-fold facial center cubic hollow sites and Ir single atoms onto oxygen vacancy sites on CoOOH. Moreover, IrTRuV/CoOOH is also prepared by switching the anchoring sites of single atoms. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate the RuTIrV/CoOOH exhibits enhanced OER performance compared to IrTRuV/CoOOH. In-situ spectroscopic and mechanistic studies indicate that Ru single atoms at three-fold facial center cubic hollow sites serve as adsorption sites for key reaction intermediates, while Ir single atoms at oxygen vacancy sites stabilize the *OOH intermediates via hydrogen bonding interactions. This work discloses the correlation between the synergy in heterogeneous single atoms and their anchoring sites.

Suggested Citation

  • Peiyu Ma & Jiawei Xue & Ji Li & Heng Cao & Ruyang Wang & Ming Zuo & Zhirong Zhang & Jun Bao, 2025. "Site-specific synergy in heterogeneous single atoms for efficient oxygen evolution," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57864-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57864-w
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