Recently, Professor Li Li's research team from the School of Metallurgy, NEU, achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of energy catalytic materials. Their research article, entitled "Low-spin state design of highly active diatomic catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction", has been published in the top Chinese academic journal National Science Review. Li Guanhuan, a doctoral candidate of the School of Metallurgy, NEU, is the first author of the paper. Professor Li Li is the corresponding author, and NEU is the lead institution.
This study systematically elucidates the high-efficiency catalytic mechanism of low-spin Fe²⁺/Cu-N-C diatomic catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for the first time from the perspective of spin state regulation and reaction pathway reconstruction. It provides a theoretical foundation and a technical pathway for designing next-generation non-precious metal fuel cell catalysts. Systematic studies indicate that compared to conventional Fe³⁺-based catalysts, this structure significantly weakens the orbital interaction between the metal and *OH intermediates, thereby reducing adsorption energy. This promotes the desorption of *OH in the critical step and enhances ORR kinetics. Through in situ synchrotron radiation spectroscopy, in situ Raman spectroscopy, and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, the researchers reveal that the catalyst enables rapid O-O bond cleavage of the *OOH intermediate, overcoming the rate-limiting step in the conventional ORR pathway. Currently, this catalyst exhibits high half-wave potentials of 0.926 V and 0.828 V in alkaline and acidic media, respectively, outperforming commercial Pt/C and most reported M-N-C catalysts. It demonstrates exceptional stability with only a 17 mV potential decay after 10,000 cycles. In proton exchange membrane fuel cell tests, its peak power density reached 0.95 W cm⁻², demonstrating promising application prospects. This significant finding reveals the pivotal role of spin state regulation in catalytic reactions and offers new insights for designing high-performance, highly stable electrocatalysts. The NEU Analytical Testing Center played a crucial supporting role in data acquisition and characterization.
It is reported that National Science Review (NSR), an integrated English-language academic journal overseen by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and published by Science Press, has been ranked as China's most internationally influential academic journal for seven consecutive years. The journal aims to comprehensively reflect major research advances both domestically and internationally through diverse formats, with a particular focus on reporting representative scientific progress in China. It has developed into a premier national platform for the world to understand China's cutting-edge technological breakthroughs and significant scientific activities, widely regarded as a top-tier comprehensive journal, second only to Nature and Science in its category. NSR currently has 14 editors-in-chief, deputy editors-in-chief, and review group leaders. The editorial board comprises 198 internationally renowned scientists, with Chinese Academy of Sciences academicians accounting for 58% and international editorial board members representing 37%. After more than a decade of development, NSR has become one of the leading academic journals in China.
