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Review Article | Open Access

Recent progress on understanding of micro- and electronic-structures to synergistically enable the activity and stability for oxygen reduction

Yao Liu1,2, Ruisi Li3, Junjun Xia4, Chenyang Shu1, Jianhong Liu1, Shaoxin Yan1, Rong Jin1, Haifeng Chen1, Liumei Teng1, Yujun Si5, Chaozhong Guo1 (), Yuxin Zhang2(), Quan Xu6()
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China
College of Material Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
College of Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Moray House school of education and sport, the university of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, UK
College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
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This paper focuses on understanding the micro- and electronic structures that synergistically enable the activity and stability of oxygen reduction. It aims to establish a balance between the catalytic activity and stability of metal single atoms, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for understanding the synergistic catalytic mechanisms and long-term stability of catalytic sites in complex heterogeneous environments, ultimately advancing the development of low-cost, high-efficiency, and high-stability single-atom catalysts.

Abstract

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are considered as the most promising nonprecious metal alternatives for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells because of their high atomic utilization and excellent catalytic performance. However, the inadequate activity and long-term stability of SACs under operational conditions significantly hinder their practical application. Therefore, this paper focuses on understanding the micro- and electronic structures that synergistically enable the activity and stability of oxygen reduction. It provides a comprehensive summary of the effects for improving the ORR catalytic activity and stability of SACs from a multilevel, multi-angle perspective, including macroscale adjustments to the overall catalyst structure, nanoscale optimization of the catalyst microstructure, and atomic-scale regulation of the active sites. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of advanced simulation, computational methods, and characterization techniques in understanding the catalytic and degradation mechanisms of SACs during the ORR process. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for the synergistic catalytic mechanisms and long-term stable operation of catalytic sites in complex heterogeneous environments, thereby advancing research on low-cost, high-efficiency, and highly stable single-atom catalysts.

Keywords

single-atom catalysts (SACs)oxygen reduction reactions (ORR)structural regulation

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Nano Research
Volume 18 Issue 3,
March 2025
Article number: 94907244
DOI: 10.26599/NR.2025.94907244
Cite this article:
Liu Y, Li R, Xia J, et al. Recent progress on understanding of micro- and electronic-structures to synergistically enable the activity and stability for oxygen reduction. Nano Research, 2025, 18(3): 94907244. https://doi.org/10.26599/NR.2025.94907244
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Oxygen reduction reaction
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