Based on experimental and computational evidence, phthalocyanine (Pc) compounds in the form of quaternary-bound metal-nitrogen (N) atoms are the most effective catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the heat treatment process used in their synthesis may compromise the ideal structure, causing the agglomeration of transition metals. To overcome this issue, a novel method is developed for synthesizing iron (Fe) single-atom catalysts with ideal structures supported by thermally exfoliated graphene oxide (GO). This is achieved through a short heat treatment of only 2.5 min involving FePc and N, N-dimethylformamide in the presence of GO. According to the synthesis mechanism revealed by this study, carbon monoxide acts as a strong linker between the single Fe atoms and graphene. It facilitates the formation of a structure containing oxygen species between FeN₄ and graphene, which provides high activity and stability for the ORR. These catalysts possess an enormous number of active sites and exhibit enhanced activity toward the alkaline ORR. They demonstrate excellent performance when applied to real electrochemical devices, such as zinc–air batteries and anion exchange membrane fuel cells. It is expected that the instantaneous heat treatment method developed in this study will aid in the development of high-performing single-atom catalysts.

中文翻译：

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用于快速合成单原子催化剂的瞬时热能，在金属-空气电池和燃料电池中具有无与伦比的性能


根据实验和计算证据，四元键合金属氮（N）原子形式的酞菁（Pc）化合物是氧还原反应（ORR）最有效的催化剂。然而，其合成中使用的热处理过程可能会损害理想结构，导致过渡金属团聚。为了克服这个问题，开发了一种新方法来合成由热剥离氧化石墨烯（GO）支撑的具有理想结构的铁（Fe）单原子催化剂。这是通过在 GO 存在下使用 FePc 和 N,N-二甲基甲酰胺进行仅 2.5 分钟的短暂热处理来实现的。根据这项研究揭示的合成机制，一氧化碳充当单个铁原子和石墨烯之间的强连接剂。它促进了 FeN ₄ 和石墨烯之间含氧结构的形成，为 ORR 提供了高活性和稳定性。这些催化剂拥有大量的活性位点，并且对碱性 ORR 表现出增强的活性。当应用于实际电化学装置（例如锌空气电池和阴离子交换膜燃料电池）时，它们表现出优异的性能。预计本研究中开发的瞬时热处理方法将有助于高性能单原子催化剂的开发。